The History of Radnorshire

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W. 22

MUSEUM ASHMOLEANUM

EX LIBRI5

FRANCISCI JOANNIS HAVERFIELD

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HISTORY

RADNORSHIRE

BT THE LATE

EBV. JONATHAN WILLIAMS, M.A.,

AUIBOK OF A "HiaiORT OP IdOKIXSIBK," KTO.

Beprmtod from the " ArcIueologiB Ctxnhnauta."

TENBY:

R. MASON, HIGH STREET.

1869.

Di.itradb, Google

ft. HASon, PBtMTBK, HIOK STBBBT, I

J, Google

CONTENTS.

Introdnetory Notice ........ 1

Proapectni , . . . . 4

DsdicatloD ......... 7

Prelkce .......... 8

Chai>tbr. I. — Section 1, Situation, BoDoduie*, ftc. . .11

Section 9, Name, Bt;mola«y, &c . . . 15

Chaptbx II.— Section 1, Origin or tbe iDhabitanla, Ice. . . .SO

Section 2, Character of the Sllurea, Ac . . . . 36

Section 3, Anciont DivUlona . . , .38

Section 4, Tonnnenau, &;c. . . , . . 31

Section 6, Fortifications, Campg, Ice. . . . .86

Section 0, Roman Stations and RoBda . . . . 41

Note on Roman Staliong and Roadi . . . .57

Section 7, Ofik's Djbe . . . . . . S8

Section 8, Caatlaa ...... 61

Chattxk III,— Civil HUtor;, Lords Marchen, Ice. . , . . 69

List of tLe Lords Pre^dent of tha Court and Coaneil at the

Harchee 74

Cbaptbb IV.— Titles of Honour . . . . . 7G

List of SherifBi ...... 79

List of Membera of Parliament for Coaot; . . . 83

Supjilemental Lists of SberiA and Uembere of ParUsment . 83
Chapter T, — Hnndreda, ParisbeB, and Cantref Moeljualdd . . . 65

List of Stewards of Cantref Hoelynsldd . . .94

List of Manors, lee. . . . . . . 100

Forests, &c ....... 101

List of CrovD Lands, Ice. . . . . 103

Rilracts from Domeeday ..... 104

CbaptbbTI.— Parochial Anllquitiea, Hundred of Radnor . . . 100

Pariah of Ca«;ab . . .106

Parish of Colfa . , . . 110

Parish of 01sdesti7 . . . . . .113

Parish of Dlscoed . . . . . . liS

Parish of LlanfihsngeUNaat-Melia . . .115

Parish of New Radnor . . . . . . 119

List of Bailifis, Recorders, Sec, of New Radnor . . 128

List of Members of Parliament of New Radnor . . . 133

Pariah of Old Radnor , . . .138

Parish of Preateigna . . . . . . 144

Hundred oF Knighton . . . . .161

Perish of BngBildn . . . . . . 163

parish of Cnwclaa, Castle and Borough . . .164

Parish of Knighton 171

Parish of Llantndara-Pjnfdd . . .185

Pariah of Llanano . . . . . 189

Parish of Llanblster . . . . . .193

Parish of Llaaddevi-jetrad^Eunau . . . . 195

lordship of Slanage . . . . .309

Unndnd of Paln'a Caatle 306

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CONTENTS.

PBiiih of Battn Cljrro

Partsh of Boagbraod

Parish of Clasbnty ,

ParUh of Clyra .

Pftriih of Bryngwio .

Pariah of Llanbedc Ptio'i CuUe

pRriBb of Llanddewl P«cb .

Parish of Llandeilo Graban

Psriah of LlaDSUpban

Parish of LlowM .

Parish of Michaelchurch (Uanfibangel-

Pariah of tfawchurch

Hundred of Rhajadet

Pariah of Moaachtog, or Abbey Cmnhlr

Pariah of Cwmddanddwr, or IJanaaintfraid

Pariah of SL BariDOD

Pariah of Llanflhangel Faoh, or Hel^ao

Pariah of Llaohir

Pariah of Nanlrasl ,

Pariah of RhajadBf

Hundred uf Cefn-;-ll;g

Pariah of BlaiddTfk

Pariah of Cadu-j-llya

Pariah of LlaDbadarn-fiiiTr

Pariah of Lhindegla .

Pariah of Llan-j-drindod

Pariah of LlaDganllD .

Pariah of LlaDflhansel-rh]rd-Ieithoii

Pariah of Pllleth

Pariah of Whltton

Hundred of Colwyn .

Farlah of Abend w

Pariah of Bettm DiMrtb

Pariah of Claacwm

Pariah of Crugina

Pariah of Diaerth

Pariah of Llanbadarn-r^Garreg

Parish of Llaneliredd

Pariah of Llanfaredd .

Pariah of Llanaantfrald

Pariah of Rutea, or Rhinlyn

AddiUon to the Account of Castles

APPEWDIS.

Wo. I. — MinlateiB' Accounts, Radnorgbire, in the Au^entation Office
Wo. 11.— Comitatua Radoiore at Brecknock

No. III.— Grant of Charlea I

Editor's Note .......

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HISTORY OF EADNORSHIRE.

INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

This valuable work was compiled by its learned author
iu the early portion of the present century ; and, as we
learn from the prospectus with which it is headed, was
intended to be given to the world in his lifetime. The
manuscript, afiter his decetae, became the property of
his daughter ; and, through the kindness of that Lady
and her Husband, John Jones, Esq., of Cefhfaes, near
Rhayader, late High Sheriif of the county of Radnor,
it has been entrusted to the Cambrian Archaeological
Association for publication.

In undertaking the delicate task of editing a posthu-
mous manuscript, we have endeavoured to reconcile the
reputation of the author, arising from his extensive re-
searches, with the requirements of modern science. Had
Mr. Williams lived till the middle of this century, he
would most probably have been among the foremost of
the archeeologists and naturalists of Wales ; he would
have profited by the advantages of general science, and
by the local discoveries made since that period, and
various portions of his work would have been arranged
in a different manner. We think, therefore, that we are
■ acting Eis archaeological disciples should do towards one

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2 HIBTORT OF RADNOBSHIRE.

of their masters, by omitting, or at least postponing, some
inconsiderable portions of his work, which are now ren-
dered superfluous by the grater amount of scientific and
historical knowledge which we have inherited, or other-
^ue cktmaed. UmB a -goieral Hilary of Wales and
Siluria ; an Historical Account of the Lords Marchers ;
an Account of the Geography, the Geology, and the
Agriculture of Radnorshire, may, we think, be either left
unpublished, or deferred till the rest of the manuscript
is printed ; because we possess other more elaborate and
more accurate works on the same subjects, written since
the time of Mr. Williams, and the authority of which
we are confident — ^judging from the admirable spirit of
candour and careful research pervading his pages — he
would himself have hastened to admit. The portions,
here alluded to, form but a small part of the whole,
and the great body of the work is so valuable to the local
antiquary, so interesting to the Association, and the
archaeological world generally, that we congratulate all
our members on the opportunity thus afforded of be-
coming acquainted with its contents.

If, as Editors, we appear to be too diffuse, we must
plead for excuse our sense of the responsibility lying upon
us to be as careful of our author's thoughts and labours
as of our own. We shall omit nothing except what we
have mentioned above, but shall print the MS. verbatim;
and we shall trust to the antiquaries of Radnorshire,
and to other members of the Association, for aid in
supplying notes and observations, to illustrate, to am-
plify, and, if need be, to correct the text. We shall
hope, indeed, as the work proceeds, — for we intend to

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HISTORY OF RADNORSaiRE.

go on printing it in consecutive numbers of the Archceo-
logia Cambrensis, — to receive numerous communications,
whether of observation or of illustration, from gentlemen
connected with that county ; and we shall endeavour to
embody all such additional matter in a running Com-
mentary, or else in a Supplement.

The MS. is a large one, consisting of 659 closely
written folio pages, the calligraphy distinct, the arrange-
ment clear and methodical ; and its publication in our
pages will extend over a considerable interval of time.

The Association is under a great obligation to the
owners of this document for the very kind and confi-
dential manner in which it has been communicated.

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HI8T0BV OF RADNORSHIRE.

PROSPECTUS.

It is proposed to publish a general History of the County of
Radnor. To conduct an undertakii^, of this extensive and mul-
tifarious nature, to a desired state of completion, much expense
must be incurred, and great application exerted. A subscription,
therefore, is solicited, as necessary to the support of the projected
work, of which the following sketch, or prospectus, is respectfully
submitted to the consideration of the public, and especially of
the gentry and clei^ of Radnorshire.

Besides adverting to those objects of inquiry, which constitute
the subjects of every topographical work,— besides a personal
application to original authorities existing in public libraries, and,
where he may oe permitted, in private collections also, — the
author's researches will extend to an exact survey of every parish
in the county. Throughout this progress, he will feel grateful to
those respectable and intelligent persons, resident on the spot,
who shall communicate to nim the knowledge of interesting
objects, memorable occurrences, the names and short biographical
memoirs of eminent natives, the genealogies of families, the
transmission of property, the sight of ancient coins and weapons,
the account of curious manners and customs, and the perusal of
authentic manuscripts and memorials. He trusts that tne gentry
of his native coanty will, on this occasion, evince a becoming
spirit of liberality, and allow free access to those stores of original
authorities which they may possess, without the least tincture of
absurd jealousy, or mistaken apprehension, of thereby disclosing
secrets, that may be attended with unpleasant consequences.
The impartial administration of the laws of their country opposes
a sufficient bar to any such fears. He likewise respectfully
addresses himself to his brethren, the parochial clei^, whose
local knowledge of thmr respective districts, as well as intimate
acquaintance with their own parish rt^sters, renders them pecu-
liarly qualified to communicate valuable and useful information ;
particularly the antiquities of their churches, the pedigrees of the
principal families, armorial blazonings, catalt^es of mcumbents,
curious epitaphs and inscriptions, &c., — such communications
the author will always receive with gratitude.

The struggles which the ancient inhabitants of this dbtrict
maintained for the preservation of its independence, in opposition
to its several invaders, will be laitbfully recorded ; wnilst the
errors into which English antiquaries and historians have &llen,

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIBE. O

respecting the primoiTal colonization of Britain, the genius of the
Druidical system, the scientific attainments of its professors, and
the campaigns of the celebrated Caradoc, or Caractaem, the
renowned sovereign of the kingdom of Siluria, of which the
territory, now called Radnorshire, once formed a con^derable
part, will be corrected and rectified.

An attempt will likewise be made to throw new tight on the
original designation and use of Tommeiutu, Camau, and Crom-
lechau, with which this county abounds; its camps, also, and its
castles, will he enumerated and described, and the different eeras
of their construction, as well as the names of that proprietors,
ascertained.

The nature of the close and peculiar connexion, in which this
county stands related to the sovereign of this United Kingdom,
whereby it has been dignified with the appellation of the " Royal
county of Radnor," will be developed and explained, and the
patrimonial inheritances of the crown of Great Britain, which it
contains, enumerated and described.

To a more complete description than what is to be found in
any book of a similar nature of the vast power and authority of
the Lords Marchers, and of the nature and extent of the juris-
diction of those dread magistrates, to whom the inhabitants of
this district were long subject, will be joined an original account
of the extent, privileges, and powers of the paramount manor or
lordship of Cantref Moelienydd. This dissertation will close with
a description of the peculiar constitution of the court of great
session, together with the boundaries, customs, privileges and
liberties of the capital borough, and of its several contributories.

The state of the agriculture of the county, that principal and
most respectable branch of human industry, will be regarded
with peculiar attention ; the number and efficacy of its medicinal
waters will be minutely detailed and described ; the seats of its
gentry, together with tne paintings with which they are severally
adorned, will not fail to receive a due tribute of respect; and, under
the cheering influence of encouragement, elegant engravings of
those seats, and of the picturesque natural scenery with which
they are surrounded, will embellisn the work.

A new and correct map of the county, taken from actual
survey, will be prefixed to the title-page. The entire text of
Domesday, go far as it relates to any part of it, will be incor-
porated with the work. The late returns of population, and
charitable donations, will be subjoined to the account of every
parish. A cataln^e of the regvli, or chieftains, of this district,
of the lords president of the Marches, of the stewards of Cantref
Moelienydd, of the lords lieutenant of the county, members of

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6 HISTORY OP HADNOBSHIRB.

parliament, BberiffB, magistrates, &c., will be transmitted from
the earliest periods down to the present times.

With respect to the limits of such an undertaking, it is im-
possible, on the outset of the plan, to speak with precision.
Neither the number of engravings, nor the quantity of letter-
press, are at present reducible to accurate calculation. Were
the author to call into requisition the amplifying powers which
some of his predecessors, in this walk of literature, hare exercised,
two volumes quarto, containing four or five hundred paees each,
might easily start into existence. But he wishes it to be under-
stood, tliat in the use of the materials committed to him, his
great objects will be selection and compression ; that the bulk of
tills work will never be purposely swelled by prolix and insigni-
ficant narrative ; that none but subjects which derive an impor-
tance from their antiquity, their picturesque beauty, or their
connexion with historical facts, will be treated of in detail ; and
that every care will be taken to avoid unnecessary expense. As
a conjecture, rather than an assertion, it may be stated, that one
volume quarto, of between six and seven hundred pages, will
probably complete the work, which will be handsomely printed,
on fine royal paper, and delivered to subscribers at £3. 3s., or,
with proof impressions of the plates, at £3. 13s. 6d.

A list of the names of the subscribers will be prefixed to the
work, and subscriptions will be received by Messrs. Longman,
Burst, and Co., London, and by all the booksellers in the county
of Radnor, and in the adjoining counties.

The printing of the work will commence as soon as 300 copies,
or as many as will cover the expenses, are subscribed for.

July 16, 1818.

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BISTORT OF KADNOBSHIBB.

DEDICATION.

To the Kin^s mott excellent Majesty.

81BE,

Nothing could have bo highly exalted your royal character
aud virtues in the estimation of Europe, — nothing could hare
BO firmly enthroned your royal person and government in the
hearts of your subjects, as the promptitude and zeal which your
Majesty has upon all occasions displayed in aiding and pro-
moting the cause of literature, and in encourt^ug and patronizing
works of utility and information.

Having at much labour and expense collected and digested
valuable matter for composing a topographical history of my
native county, viz., Radnor; and having. at length brought my
undertaking to a desired state of maturity, I feel anxious that
the appearance of my book before the eye of the public, should
be, in one respect at least, commensurate with the dignified
nature of its subject, and possess that respectability which the
description of a county long distinguished by the honourable
appellation " Royal," contajning parcel of the ancient patrimony
of your crown, and connected with your Majesty in a very
peculiar manner, so justly deserves.

The attainment of this object of my hopes and of my ambition,
depends upon your Majesty s gracious favour and condescension.
The prefixing of your royaJ name to the list of subscribers to the
history of a " royal " county, would be not only an appropriate
ornament and decoration, but also confer upon the work itself
that importance and dignity which would oe its best recom-
mendation and surest protection. I therefore humbly petition
your Majesty, that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to
take my request into your royal consideration, and to allow me
the permission to make this particular use of your Majesty's royal
name upon this occasion ; an honour which will be as gratefiuly
remembered, afi it is now earnestly desired, by,
Sire,
Your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subject,

JONATOAH WlLLU)l9.

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

PREFACE.

In the first contemplation of this work, the author was
not unaware of the many and great difficulties which he
should have to encounter. The attempt is entirely new ;
no regular account of any one part of it having ever
before been submitted to the public. Besides, Radnor-
shire, on a general and transient view, appears little
calculated, either to afford encouragement to the arduous
prosecution, or to furnish materials for the successful
completion, of an undertaking of this eztensive and
multifarious nature. Diminutive in size and population,
inferior in the arts of industry and cultivation, devoid of
busy towns, flourishing manufactures, and magnificent
structures ; of an aspect if not immediately repulsive and
forbidding, yet generally sterile and uninviting; and
involved in great penury of information; it seems to
possess few attractions to interest the antiquary and
historian, to kindle the flame of curiosity, and to repay
the labour of research. This opinion, however, was
found, on further consideration, to admit, like all other
generalities, of considerable modifications. For a district
which formed a part of the ancient and renowned king-
dom of Siluria, — the seat of Druidical rites, — the site of
Roman garrisons and encampments, — the scene of much
hazardous conflict for national liberty and independence, -
in opposition to the lawless and insatiable ambition of
Romans, Saxons, Danes, and Normans respectively, — ■
and which abounds in Silurian vestiges, religious and
military, — must necessarily contain and embrace ma-
terials, that only want to be developed, in order to be
known ; and to be known, in order to be felt interesting.
To the celebrity which it possessed in ancient times, may
be added the just claims to public notice and distinction,
founded on ^e consideration of its present state and
circumstances. For seldom can we behold a more diver-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 9

sified and undulating line of surface; such an assemblage
of picturesque, if not magnificent scenery; so mucli
sinuosity of valley, and verdure of ntouutain ; such a
variety of meandering and fertilizing streams, and so
many medicinal springs of approved efficacy and virtue.
These, together with the rapidity of its agncultural im-
provements, the simplicity of manners that still adheres
to many of its inhabitants, as well as its close connexion
with the imperial crown of this United Kingdom, — the
peculiar constitution of its supreme court of judicature, —
the incorporation of its capital borough, — and the cus-
toms and privileges of the several contributories, — supply
a fund of information, not only gratifying to the man of
research and curiosity, but also subservient to historical
purposes.

Such is the general outline of the following work. The
materials of which it is composed have been derived from
various sources, — from public libraries and from private
collections, — from the usual printed authorities, and the
obliging communications of the gentlemen and clergy of
the county — particularly the manuscript collections of
Percival Ijcwis, Esq., of Downton Hall, near New Rad-
nor, embracing a valuable mass of original information
relative to the most essential parts of the subject, which
that gentleman contributed with a politeness and libe-
rality peculiarly flattering. Considerable aid has been
received from consulting the History of Brecknockshire^
published by the late Mr. Theophilus Jones, a work
which reflects the greatest credit on the perseverance
and abilities of the author. To these and other like
authorities, references will be made in the course of the
work, either in the subjoined notes, or in the appendix.
The topographical division required and obtained the
extension of the author's researches to an exact survey
of every parish in the county; and, in all instances,
wherein it was neccessary to collect the particulars on the
spot, adequate pains have been taken to give a complete
and accurate detail. The state of the agriculture of the
county has been drawn up partly from a publication of

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10 HISTORY OF HADNOftSHIRE.

Mr. W. Davies, and partly from oral information. In
recording the skill and ingenuity witli which the Silurian
generals selected their encampments, the author has pro-
fited by the perusal of manuscripts left by the late General
Harvey, who, for his health, resided some time at Llan-
drindoa, and amused himself with examining the military
positions of the neighbourhood. Id short, there are few
sources from which endeavours have not been used to
glean such hints as bear upon the subject. The numerous
contributors are requested to accept this general acknow-
ledgment of their assistances in the composition ; whilst
it is humbly hoped the candid critic will exercise his
accustomed lenity towards the unavoidable imperfection
of a work undertaken under considei-able disadvantages,
and embracing and involving subjects of great variety
and importance.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

CHAPTER I.

Section 1, — Situation^ Boundaries and Extent.
Radnorshire is an inland county, situated in that part
of Gireat Britain called South Wales, and in the dioceses
of St. David's and Hereford, and in the province of
Canterbury; and lying between 51" 57' and 52° 22'
nortli latitude, and between 2° 46' and 3° 3' longitude
west of London.

It is bounded by the county of Salop on the north-
east, of Hereford on the south-east, of Brecknock on the
south and south-west, of Cardigan on the north-west, and
by Montgomeryshire on the north.

The boundary line between the counties of Radnor and
Hereford commences at a spot on the left side of the river
Wye, opposite to the town of Hay, in Brecknockshire,
keeping the course of that river to a place called Rhyd-
spence, where it takes a western direction by Cwmyrafar
and Caehiggin to Pant and Cwmyreithin, and north-
wards to Uttle Hill, where it turns abruptly to the east
as far as Wem ; it there crosses the Kington road, and
takes an eastern direction for a mile; it then descends
southwardly to the old mill, then by Pentiley, Gwemy-
bwch, and Pentre-yr-drain, in a northern direction to
Huntington Hill, where it again turns eastwardly between
Lanybala and Yat, and New Shop to Pentwyr Castle, by
Huntington Park to Rabbar, across Gladestry brook and
the road to Kington, leaving Lanyfelyn Hill on the left.
It ascends by Great Rabbar, Hargest Hill to Cwmgwillim,
thence by Bwlch, between Janter Hill and Whetstone to
Rhiwbach, and crosses the Radnor road at Stanner Rocks,
which it skirts to the right, and at Lower Harpton crosses
Offa's Dyke and the river Somergill ; it then passes be-
tween Knyll and Byrfa Bank, which it skirts, passing on
to the north through Radnor Wood; and, penetrating
through the middle of Radnor Wood, it then turns east-

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l-i HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

wardly through Cwmrosser Green to a place called Folly;
it then deaceads a little way to the south, by Gorton and
Wignall's Mill, along the line of the Somergill to Cwm
and Broad Heath, where it takes the course of the Lug
on its left side to the town of Presteigne, where it crosses
that river, and ascends by Boultibrook Mill to Stocking,
Cooke's House, Old Warren, by Carter's Lane, where it
turns to a place called the Cefii, passing by Hill House,
Oak Hill, Black Venn, in a straight line to Black Venn ;
and, leaving Brampton Brian to the right, it turns to
Heartsease, where it crosses the turnpike road to Knighton,
and so by the turnpike gate it passes on to the river
Teame, the line of which it keeps to the town of Knighton,
where it crosses the river, and insulates a small tract of
land forming the eastern boundary of that borough.

The said river Teame constitutes the boundary line
which divides the county of Radnor from Shropshire to
a place called Hendr^f, where a stream named Ruthyn
Rhiwgantyn separates it from Montgomeryshire. The
boundary line then takes a direction to the west to a
place called Rhiwdan Llwynglas, leaving Gwain-gellu-
felyn considerably to the right; thence passing on to a
place named Ambo-benwyn, alias Crugain Terfyn, divid-
ing the parishes of Llanbadarnfynydd and Llandinam,
near to the beacon called Gam-Vaonce; it then proceeds
to a spring called Ffynon trinant, and Esthop, and to
the head of the spring leading to the brook Dulas, then
to a huge stone upon the mountains, on which Gwynne,
the son of Llewelyn, was slain, dividing the parishes of
Llangurig and St. Harmon, where a house or building
formerly stood ; then crossing the mountains to Cefn
EHwd, where it takes a southern direction to Cefn-Cen-
narth, where it turns to the west and crosses the river
Wye at a place called Safan-y-coed. It then ascends to
the head of a small brook named Nant-y-demol, in a
northerly direction; afterwards, taking a small circuit, it
arrives at the head spring of the river Talog, which
separates the counties of Radnor and Caerdigan. It
crosses tills river at Tynrhos, and then descends south-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 13

wardly to the head of a small stream called Claerwen, and
follows the course of the said river, Tvliich forms the
boundary line between the said two counties, until it
discharges itself into the river Elan.

The boundary line between the counties of Radnor and
Brecknock is the said river Elan, until it comes to a place
called Glyn, about a mile to the south of the town of
Rhayader, where it forms a junction with the Wye.
From the point of this junction the separation of the two
counties is continued by the river Wye, till it arrives at
Glasbury Bridge, where the boundary line crosses the
Wye into Brecknockshire, at a place called Ffrwd-fawr,
and passes to Llwynaubach, about half a mile distant from
that river, towards the south; it then turns both west-
wardly and eastwardly, and takes a circuit around Glas-
bury church-yard to the left; thence it crosses the
turnpike road to the town of Brecon, and passes through
the Sconces into tlie river Wye, which it recrosses, and
follows the line of its course to the spot opposite to the
town or bridge of Hay, where it commenced.'

I Radnorshire lies between 52° 5' and 5!2° 25' north latitude, and
3° 3' and 3° 35" west longitude. The Ordnance surrey made since the
time of the Rev. Jonathan Williams enables us to give the following
corrected account of the limils of Radnorshire: — The boundary line
between the counties of Radnor and Hereford commences at a spot
on the left or west side of the river Wye, opposit« to the town of Hay
in Brecknockshire, and proceeds along the course of that river to the
ferry just above Rhydspence ; thence by Cwmrhefr or Cwm 'r afer,
Crowther's Pool and Caeau to the Red Lane; by Michaelchurch,
Wern, Burnt-Bridge, Pentyle, Gwemybwch, Disgwylfii, Huntingdon
Castle and Rabbar; then across Gladestry brook and the road to
Kington, leaviiig Glanfelin Hill on the left ; thence by Great Rabbar,
Hargest Hill, Cwmgwilim, Bwlch and Rhiwbach; then across the
Radnor road and skirting Stannar rocks on the right. At Lower
Harpton the line crosses Offa's Dyke and the river Somergill, passing
between Knill and Byrf& Bank, which it skirts; thence through
Radnor Wood, Rosser^s Wood, by a place called the Folly, Corton
and Wegnall's Mill, and along the line of the Somergill to Cwm,
Broadheath and Rosser's Bridge ; ascending the Lug on its left side
to Presteign, it crosses that river and proceeds by Boultibrook Mill
to Stocking, Old Warren, Reeves' Hill and Cefn, leaving Brampton
Brian on the right ; then to Hearts-eaae, where it crosses the turnpike

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14 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

A small part of Herefordshire, called Lytton Hill, in
the parish of Cascob, near the town of Presteign, is in-
sulated by the county of Radnor."

The extent of Radnorshire from the junction of the
rivers Hendwell and Lug on the east, to the opposite border

road to Eni^hton, and by the turnpike gate on to the rirer teams,
which line U keeps to Knighton, where it crosses the river, and in-
sulates a small tract of land, forming the eastern boundary of that
borough. The river Teame constitutes the boundary line which divides
the county of Radnor from Shropshire to a place called Cefn-Bedw.
The line then proceeds onward by Castell Bryn Amlwg, or Castell
Cefn Fron, to the junction of Nantrhydyfedw and Nant^Rhyddwr.
The former brook divides Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire. After-
wards the line passes by some tumuli and intrenchments to Camnant
Bridge, following the course of that brook ; thence across Llyndwr
Hill to Crugyn Terfyn, dividing the parishes of LIsnbadam Fynydd
and Iilaadinam, to a spring called Ffynnon Tnnant ; thence it follows
the line of the river Tylwch to where the Llanidloes road crosses it ;
then striking off by Cefn-Aelnyd to a huge stone upon the mountains
on which Owynne the son of Llewelyn was slain, and where a cottage
still stands, t^led Llnest Llewelyn, From Wain Cilgwyn the line
extends itself to where Nantfiich empties itself into the Wye ; thence
down the Wye to the mouth of Demol brook, which it ascends, and,
taking a small circuit, arrives at the spring of the brook Talog, which
separates the counties of Radnor and Cardigan. Afterwards, down
the Talog into the river Elan to Abei^wngy, and upwards along the
Gwngy brook to Llyngwngy. It then descends, enclosing some dis-
puted ground, to Llynfigen-felin, and thence along Nant-y-figen to
the Claerwen, where Cardiganshire ends. The boundary line leaves
the Wye about a mile to the west of Glasbury bridge, and passing
through the great meadows called the Sconces, it crosses the Brecon
turnpike road ; from thence it passes round Glasbury church-yard,
and runs eastwardly. The boundary then turns abrupUy to the north,
and afterwards to the east, and then ag^n to the north. It then runs
between two farms called Llwynan bach and Ffordd-fawr, recrossing
the Brecon turnpike road, and rejoins the Wye at a bend some distance
above Llowes Church. J. J.

< By the statute 7th and Sth Victoria, c. 61, the detached portion
of Radnorshire, on the south-east side of the river Wye, has been
annexed to Brecknockshire for all purposes ; in consequence of which
the river Wye is now the boundary of the county of Radnor from its
junction with the Elan, near Rhayader, to the town of Hay, and the
repairs of Glasbury bridge, which formerly fell on the county of
Radnor, are now done at the joint expense of the counties of Radnor
and Brecknock. The detached portion of Herefordshire, io the parish
of Cascob, has by the same Act become part of Radnorshire. W.

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HISTORY OF RADHOBSHIRE. 16

Ty-yn-y-rhos on the west, is about 29 miles in length ;
and from Rhiwthyn Rhiwgantyn brook on the north, to
Rhyd Helyg, or Sally Ford, on the south, is about 26
miles in breadth. Various, however, and differing from
each other, are the estimated contents of its area. One
gentleman lays it down so low as 385 square miles ;
another raises it to 447 ditto; a third to 455, and a fourth
to 510 ditto. Perhaps a middle statement between the
two greatest extremes approximates nearest to the truth.
Its circumference, according to some calculations, exceeds
90 miles, encompassing a territory of 310,000 acres.'

Section 2. — Its Name taid Etymology.

The sigoification of the name, as well British as English,
which designates this district, is enveloped in such obscu-
rity as hitherto to baffle the ingenuity and elude the re-
searches of modem antiquaries. At a period so remote
from its original imposition, the reader will be content
with such information as a subject so necessarily obscure
and difficult will admit, and will judiciously exercise his
discretion with respect to the preference which the various
conjectures that have been formed upon it deserve. In
doing this, he will previously reflect that this is the only
county in the Principality to which tlie British word
Maes is prefixed, and that there must have existed some
reason for this peculiarity.

The late Mr. Tlieophilus Jones, who is universally
acknowledged to have been deeply skilled in British
history and antiquities, was of opinion that this county
received its name, Maesyfedd, from a chieftain called
Hyfaidd.* Mr. Jones' usual acuteness appears in the
mmd of the author to have failed him in this particular.
For, surely, a district occupied by the Silure$, and tra-

* The Rev. Walter Davies in hieHeport of the Agriculture of Wales,
published in 1811, eetinal^d Radoorebire to contain 86,000 acres of
tillage land, 40,000 acres of meadow and pasture, and 200,000 acres
of waste; total, 326,000 acres.

* History of Breoonshire, i. p. 60.

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16 BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

versed by Roman legions, must have possessed a name
many centuries prior to the existence of a chieftain, whose
father, Caradoc Fraich-frds, was the contemporary only
of the renowned Arthur. Besides, if Mr. Jones' conjec-
ture be correct, this county would have been denominated
Sir Hyvaidd, and not Sir Faesyfed ; as Brecknockshire,
if his statement be received, is called Sir Frycheiniog, from
Brychyn, its chieftain. But there exist strong grounds for
doubting tlie justness of Mr. Jones' derivation, even of
the appellative Brycheiniog, as a reference to the appendix
will evince. This opportunity is favourable for expressing
ao unqualified disapprobation of the too general practice
of deducing the British appellations of large and extensive
districts from the names of their respective chieftains, —
a mode of interpretation which has given rise to innu-
merable fictions, and peopled countries with persons who
never had existence. When an author finds himself at a
loss to develope the etymon of the name of a district or
country, he indolently supplies his inability, or his igno-
rance, by the introduction of some imaginary and fabulous
hero, on whom is conferred an appellation corresponding
in sound: thus, Geoffrey of Jifontnoutk, unable to explain
the signification of the name Britain, falsely imputes its
origin to Brutus, a Trojan, the supposed discoverer and
colonizer of the island. To ascribe the British names of
places to chieftains is a practice pregnant of a thousand
errors, and has occasioned inextricable confusion in history.
Among the ancient Britons a reversed order universally
and unexceptionably prevailed ; and to the territory the
chieftain was beholden for his name, and not the territory
to the chieftain. The Welsh, indeed, as they degenerated
from the virtues, so were they less tenacious of the customs,
of their ancestors, adopted the presumptuous practice of
their arrogant invaders, who, in order to establish a pro-
perty in the lands, the possession of which they had
violently wrested from the natives, called them after
their own names. Thus Eivias Harold, Ewias Lacy,
and Tre-faldwin, were imitated by Powis Fadoc, Powis
Wenwynyn, and Tir-raulpk. Di£ferent was the mode

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HISTORT OF HADKOR8HIRE. 17

observed by the ancient Britons ; their names of places
are exceedingly significative, appropriate and impressive;
they describe some peculiar and distinguishing feature of
the situation, which is, at the same time, pleasing to the
eye and soothing to the mind; and it is rather by paying
due attention to these characteristics, than by having
recourse to the creation of imaginary persons, that the
true etymology of the ancient names of places and dis-
tricts in Britain is to be obtained.

Let this rule be applied to the derivation oi Maesyfed,
or Maes y Fed; for on the mode of its orthography de-
pends its signification. That there existed a chieftain of
the name of Hyfaidd, who resided at Maesyfed, is an
authenticated point of history. But probability prepon-
derates in favour of the presumption that he received his
name from the place, rather than the place from him. If
the former manner of writing the name, viz., Maesyfed,hG
preferred, it becomes susceptible of a twofold etymology.
First, Maesyfed signifies a "field that drinks or absorbs
wet or moisture." This interpretation corresponds with
the quality of the soil that characterizes the district which
lies above and helow the town of New Radnor, where the
river Somergill is completely absorbed for a considerable
space, and emerges from its subterraneous course, and
reappears, on encountering, at the distance of about a
mile or more, a difierent and more tenacious soil.
Secondly, the word Maesyfed implies "a moist or damp
field." This signification accords with the nature of the
soil of the middle, or interior, parts of this county, which,
principally consisting of clay, is retentive or wet or
moisture.

If the latter mode of spelling the name be adopted, it is
necessary to attend to a striking peculiarity in the British
language, which requires the ^Eolic digamma F to be
pronounced as the consonant V, and substitutes the letter
F in the place of B, as Ved instead of Bed. Now Bed
is a contraction of Bedw, consequently, Maes-y~Fed, or
Maes-y-Fedw, or Bedw, signifies a field of birch, a species
of tree with which the district of Old Radnor, and indeed

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18 aiSTORT OF RADirottSHIRE.

the whole coimty, even to this day, abounds, and of which
it had anciently large and extensive forests. This tree
was holden in great estimation by three most respectable
parties, viz., the British Druids, Bards, and Ladies." The
latter expressed their acceptance of a lover's addresses
and vows by presenting him with a garland composed of
the twigs and leaves of this delicate tree. On the con-
trary, a wreath of hazel modestly typified the rejection
of his suit. Nor was this elegant and beautiful tree less
propitious to the inspiration of poetry, tlian of love. For
thus Dafydd ab GwlUini, the Ovid of Wales, describes
himself: —

" BodloQ wyw 'ir ganiadaeth
Bedwlwyn o'r coed mwyn ai maeth."
'Mid groves of birch, well pleased I sing
The tuneful verse the muses bring.

And it is a well known fact that the British Druids formed
the letters of their alphabet in resemblance of its buds and
sprays." So many, and so varied, were the inducements
which our Radnorian ancestors had for planting and cul-
tivating the waving birch. Accordingly, in no part of
Great Britain doth this delicate tree so frequently occur
as in this county. About two miles west of the church
of Old Radnor, is a grove of wood, called Cae-bedw, and
near the church of Llanvihangel Nantmelan, another of
the same name, — a circumstance that affords no small
confirmation of the etymology now offered, which ap-
pears further entitled to respect from the consideration
of analogy. Maes-y-fedw is by this derivation assimi-
lated with neighbouring places, such as Pengwem, Tre-
ffawydd, and Celyn, the ancient names of Shrewsbury,
Hereford, and Clun, which were so denominated from
the particular species of trees which once grew in the
immediate vicinage of each, respectively ; the first signi-
fying the " Ridge of Alders," ^e second, the " Town of
Beech-trees," and the third, " Holly."

a Owbq'b Welsh Dictionarv, " Bedwen Collen." Davies' Celtic
Reeearchea, p. 330. e Ibid. p. 271.

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HI8T0BV OF BADHOBBHIRE. 19

The Saxon, or English, name of this county is Radnor.
Many and frequent have been the attempts to aesign to
this appellation a rational and appropriate etymology.
All have hitherto proved uncertain and dissatisfactory.
The first reflection that occurs, is the great difference
of its two names ; Radnor bearing no assimilation with
Maesyfed, or Maes-y-fed. Our inability to ascertain the
true meaning of the former is the more vexatious from
the circumstance of its comparatively recent imposition ;
for Domesday Book is the first authentic document in
which the name Radenore is recorded. Leaving the
senseless derivation proposed by Camden, (who makes the
word Radnor to spring from Rhayader, and the equally
unappropriate signification, viz., " Red Hills," for there
are none of that description in the county, on the con-
trary, the hills contiguous to the town of Radnor liave
their summits clothed with verdure,) to the oblivion in
which they deserve to be ingulphed, the author submits,
with diffidence, a new and unnoticed coDJecture, Rade
is the 8axon word for road, and Nore, in the same lan-
guage, signifies narrow. Hence the appellation Radc-
Ttore, wh«i applied to the town, means the town in the
narrow road, or pass, or defile ; when used to designate
the county, it signifies the county of narrow roads, passes,
or defiles. This etymology of the word Radnor has, at
least, the merit of being characteristic of the county to
which it is applied. For this county, more especially on
its English frontier, abounds more in defiles than any
other county in the Principality of Wales.

Still the name Radnor is susceptible of another, and
very different signification, deduced from the rank and
condition of the people by whom this part of the district
was inhabited. In the Saxon and Norman languages,
certain freeholders of lands, liberi tenentes, were denomi-
nated Radehenistri, who ploughed and harrowed, or reaped
and mowed, at the manor of the lord. There were also
certain men called Rad-knighta, who held their lands by
serving their lords on horseback. Now Radnor may be
an abbreviation or cOTxuption of one or otiier of these two

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20 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

words, and Radnor men, in the reign of Edward the Con-
fessor, may have holden their lands, of that king, by the
conditions here specified. This mode of tenure was also
called Socage, the servile part of which was commuted
by paying a small rent to the lord of the soil.

CHAPTER II.

THE ORIQIN OF rrS PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS; THEIR CHARACTER,
RELiaiON, OOVBRNHBNT, POPULATION, &C.; THE NAMES OP
THE AKCIBNT DIVISIONS OP THE DIOTBICT ; ITS ANTIQUITIES;
ITS TOMHENAIT, CARWAU, AND CROMLECHAU f ITS FORTIFICA-
TIONS AND ENCAHPUENTS; ITS ROMAN PROVINCE, STATIONS,
ANDROAD9; ITS SAXON AND NORHAN VESTIOES; OFPA'S DYKE ;
ITS CASTLES AND HILITARS WEAPONS; ITS REUOIOua EDIFICES,
ABBEYS, CELLS AND CHURCHES.

Section 1. — 2^ Origin qfUi Primitive Inhabitants.

The primitive inhabitants of this district were called,
in the British language, Essylwyr, Eind by the Romans,
Silures. They were a tribe of the 3ritanni, or Sritons,
and identi6ed with them in their origin, and in their other
characteristics. The question then that offers itself is,
whence did the ancient Britons migrate into Britain?
The generality of English antiquaries espouse the con-
jecture of Tacitus, the Roman historian, who supposes
that they came hither from Graul, and, like him, rest
their argument on the contiguity of the two countries,
Gaul and Britain. But if contiguity of situation be ad-
mitted as an argument for determining the sources of the
population of countries, why is the obvious and popular
notion of Ireland having been peopled from Britain, dis-
carded from the creed of every sensible and judicious
antiquary? The conjecture that the original colony of
Britain migrated from Gaul or Spain, seems to be
founded on the erroneous notion that all ancient migra-
tions were effected on land alone, and that the continent,
having been first filled, emptied its superfluity upon the
bare islands. We are warranted, as well by the authority

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 21

of the Roman historian, as by an appeal to unirersally
received matter of fact, that the reverse was the general
mode of peopling the regions of the earth ; " Nee terra
olim," says he, "sed classibus advehebaotur, qui mutare
sedes quserehant." " Emigrants removed by sea, not by
land." And it is well ascertained that many parts of the
contineDt of Asia, and of Europe, received their primitive
colonization from the contiguous and adjacent islands.

And the reason is obvious. Islands acquired civiliza-
tion and refinement much earlier than continents. They
presented fewer obstacles to improvement, and are less
subject to the domination of foreign invaders, and to
those violent and retrograde revolutions which iinpede
and retard the progress of national melioration. Com-
merce and navigation are objects to which islanders are
necessarily attached ; and navigation and commerce pro-
mote and assist the arts of civilization and improvement.
Accordingly, in every age of the world, the inhabitants
of islands have excelled the people of the continent in the
spirit of liberty, in the science of legislation, and in the
cultivation of the fine arts. Such was Crete; its inhabi-
tants had obtained a considerable degree of civilization
and refinement, when the people of Greece remained in
a state of profound ignorance and barbarity. And such
was the case with Britain in the time of Julias Casar.
This ambitious invader attests its snperiority, and affirms
" that the druidical institution originated in Britain, and
passed from thence into Gaul ; so that whosoever aspired
to be complete adepts in this mystical science, were wont
to resort to Britain." This decisive testimony justifies
the inference that those historians and antiquaries, who
assert that Britain was indebted for her institutions to
the neighbouring continent, have misrepresented this
subject. The reverse was the fact. The neighbouring
continent received its institutions, and the improvement
of them, from Britain. This obligation the Gallic Druids
always had the grace to acknowledge. It was reserved
to English writers alone to assert the contrary.

The attempt of a niodem " Inquirer into the origin of the

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22 HIBTORT OP HADNOBSBIRE.

inhabitants of the British Islands," to identify the Britanni
of Britain with the Britones of Gaul, and thereby to
prove that the first settlers of the former country came
fi*om the latter, seems t» be one of those stratagems, yriih
Trhich the framers of hypothetical assumptions endeavour
to support their ain' speculaticms. For no such people
as the tatter existed m Gaul at the period alluded to. In
justice to this correepondent of the Antiquarian Society
of London, it is to be added, that the error appears not to
have been wilfully committed, but to have been occasioned
by a corrupted text of Pliny, which escaped the " In-
quirer's " observation. The true reading is Brixones,
not Britones. This instance of inadvertence and mis-
quotation, however involuntary, suggests a lesson of
caution against drawing premature conclusions from un-
substantiated premises.

The reason why modem writers are so generally in-
clined to ascribe a Gallic origin to the first populatitm
of Britain seems to have resulted from the accidental
circumstance of the Romans having transferred some of
the names of the petty states of Gaul into this island, and
imposed Gallic appellations on British tribes ; whence, it
has been hastily concluded, that those people of Britain,
who bore Gallic names, were descended from those Gallic
tribes which were designated by those names; and, con-
sequently, that the original population of Britain arrived
from Graul. To omit the illogical process of this deduc-
tion, from particulars to universals, let it suffice to observe
that, of all historical blunders, this is the grossest. It has
induced modem historians to ascribe the population of
countries to people who never beheld those countries. The
question is, not what names the ignorant Romans chose
arbitrarily, and often without appropriate meaning, to
affix, but how Britons were designated by Britons. This
identity of Roman names doth not necessarily imply the
identity of the two people; nor were the Senones of Britain
derived from the Senones of Gaul.

Upon the whole, the argument of Tacitus, derived from
contiguity of situation, and a supposed similarity of feature,

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 23

may as well be adduced to prove that the population of
Gaul and Spain was received from Britain, aa that this
island was colonized from those countries. The studious
care with which the Britons have preserved genealogical
descents, would certainly have operated in a case of this
national and important concern ; and the remembrance
of a Gallic, or of ^ Iberian, extraction, some document
or tradition would assuredly have perpetuated. But, as
nothing of either is known to have existed, or to have
been transmitted, there is every reason to justify the
rejection of an hypothesis which, as it was deemed by
its first framer to be conjectural, remains to this day un-
supported and unconfirmed by his followers.

But, though no national testimony can be adduced to
support the supposition of a Gallic origin, yet there doth
exist at this day, through the whole of the Principality of
Wales, an historical tradition, handed down from time im-
memorial, asserting that the discoverers and first colonizers
of Britain were emigrants from Aaia. Let us see what
kind of evidence may be adduced in support of this
tradition.

In proof of an Asiatic colonization of Britain, we
have, — 1. Presumptions. 2. Arguments. The striking
resemblance of names, opinions and practices, that sub-
sisted among the ancient inhabitants of these two distant
countries, affords presumptions; and the testimony of
British Bards and of the Triades, furnishes arguments.^

1. From the circumstance of a striking resemblance
between the two people, we derive presumptions in favour
of the tradition, which ascribes the first population of
Britain to a tribe pf emigrants from Asia. In their plan
of education, which committed nothing to writing, but to
the memory alone, and dispensed instruction through the

T Hu Gradarn is said to hsve brought the race of the Cymrj to the
Islaiid of Brilain from the land of Haf, which ia called Deffrobani,
and they came from the place where Conatantinople now is. Prydain
the son of Aedd Mawr first established government and laws in the
Island of Britain. — Historical Triads, 4 ; JDavies' Celtic Besearchet,
p. 154.

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24 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

medium of oral poetry, — in their literary and philosphical
attainments, for what the Magi were in Persia, the same
were tlie Druids in Britain, — in their forms of govern-
ment, which were sacerdotal, and founded on the influence
of opinion,— in their religious practices, for, with both
people, the sun and fire were emblems of the Deity, — in
the construction of their sepulchral tumuli, or tommenau,
or barrows, — in their use of military chariots, — in the
names of distinguished leaders, viz., Husheng and Phri-
dun, in Asia, and Huysgwn and Prydain, in Britain, —
and in various other subordinate particulars, — may be
discerned in the people oi Asia Minor, and in the earliest
inhabitants of Britain, a surprising coincidence and simi-
larity, which it is difficult to account for by the inter-
vention of any casual or fortuitous contingencies. So
exact an identity of thinking and of acting, by two
people so far removed from each other, in the same epoch
of time, cannot be satisfactorily explained, but on the
supposition of the latter people having been connected
with the former, and deriving their origin and their in-
stitutions from them.

Hitherto we have adduced only presumptions in favour
of an Asiatic colonization of Britain. We will now state
our arguments, as furnished by the testimony of British
Bards and the Triads.

2. The aggregate amount of the information derived
from these authoritative sources is this: — "That the
original colony which migrated to Britain was conducted
hither by a leader named Huysgwn," — identified with
Husheng, an appellation extremely familiar, and common
to celebrated natives of ^sia;— " that the first settlers of
Britain came hither after a long and devious voyage by
sea," — which account agrees with the character of a

voyage from the coasts of Asia, but militates against the
commonly received but erroneous notion of a short run
from the shores of Gaul; — "that they came from the
Summer-country," — that is, from Asia ; — " that they
anciently inhabited Deffro-banu," — a word undoubtedly
substituted by the negligence of a transcriber in the place

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HISTORY OP RADNORBHIRB. 25

of Dyffryn-banu, or Difffryn-albana, that is, the deep
vales or gleas of Albania, a country situated between
the Euxine and Caspian Seas; — "that they were nativea
of a country in Asia;" — and, lastly, "that they came to
Britain from a city called Gaf-is," — that is, the lower
Kdf, or the lower Caucasus, a mountain stretching
between the Caspian and Euxine Seaa. Cities, towns,
and even people, were anciently denominated from the
neighbouring mountains, rivers, &;c. Caucasus being
both originally, and at the present time, pronounced Kdj,
and being divided into higher and lower, is certainly
identified with Gdf'is, that is, the lower Caucasus, the
British language having the power to convert the initial
letter K into G.

Here then is a climax of evidence, consisting of strong
presumptions and conclusive arguments, mutually sup-
porting and corroborating each other, and confirming
the credibility of an existing tradition, which ascribes to
the original colonizers of Britain an Asiatic origin and
extraction. The only difficulty attending its reception,
that remains to be removed, arises from the consideration
of the distance which separates the two countries, and the
hazard which must have attended such an enterprize in
times of comparative inexperience of nautical afiairs. The
force of this objection will be considerably diminished, if
not entirely removed, by recollecting that the art of navi-
gation had made a wonderfiil progress in the early ages
of the world, — that sea-voyages of considerable length
and difficulty had been performed in a period equally
remote, — that the Atlantic Ocean had been navigated
by Phoenician ships seventeen centuries anterior to the
Christian sera, — that the merchants of Asia trafficked in
British tin as early as the days of Moses, — that the
maritime skill and experience by which the first settlers
of Britain were distinguished, whom Thaliessin calls
" warlike adventurers on the sea," rendered them qualified
for the enterprize, — that the population of Britain could
not have been efiected at so eariy a period aa it may be
proved it iras, had the emigrants journeyed by land, —

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26 HISTORY OP RADNOB8HIRE.

and, lastly, that their voyage to Britain was not performed
at one run, but had its several reating-places, such as
Tan-is, in lower Egypt; Algiers, in Africa; Gadir, in
Spain; Lisbon, in Portugal, &c. When these ascertained
particulars are duly weighed and considered, not only
the reluctance to submit to the attested antiquity of our
island will be relaxed, but also the alleged difficulty of
navigating vessels from the coasts of Asia, to the shores
of Britain, in so remote a period as is contended for, will
appear much abated and diminished.

Whilst time hath drawn its oblivious veil over the four
proud empires of the world, and almost effaced the re-
membrance of them from the countries, in which they
once triumphantly flourished, there exist at present in
this island a people, whom neither the revolution of
almost 3000 years, nor the most destructive invasions,
nor bloody wars, nor repeated massacres, have been able
to extinguish; still continuing to speak the same lan-
guage, and to retain many of the customs which dis-
tinguished their Asiatic progenitors; — a spectacle worthy
of the contemplation of the philosopher and antiquary, as
unexampled in the page of history as it is unparalleled
by any nation now subsisting, — that only excepted, whose
preservation constitutes a peculiar object of the regard of
Divine Providence, and is made subservient to the ac-
complishment of His wise and majestic decrees.

Section 2. — Character, Religion, Government, Popnlation, ^c, of
of the SUures.

The character which Tacitus, the Roman historian, has
transmitted of these people, redounds greatly to their
credit. He ranks them among the validissimas gentes,
the most robust and valiant nations, and represents them
as not only inured to hardship and war, but so implacably
averse to, and impatient under, a foreign yoke, that they
were neither to be won by courtesy, nor restrained by
force. Their long and obstinate resistance to the Bomans
proves them to have been animated by an unconquerable
spirit, and ardent love of freedom and independence.

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HIBTOHY OF BADN0K8HIRB. 27

The fonn of goveroment established among the Silures
resembled that which prevailed among the other tribes of
Britain; at first hierarchical, and preBerving peace and
concord, and preventing aggression and outrage, not by
the dread of punishment, but by the influence of opinion.
At a subsequent period it assumed a monarchical form.
For the district or kingdom of Siluria, which compre-
hended, in addition lo what has since been called Radnor-
shire, the present counties of Hereford, Monmouth, Gla-
morgan and Brecknock, was governed by its own inde-
pendent regulus, or chieftain, who, in conjunction with
the other reguli of the island, was invested with the power
of electing, in seasons of public danger, a supreme sove-
reign, on whom was conferred the title of " Brenhin
Prydain oil," or the king of all Britain. To the Druids
were committed the superintendence of religious cere-
monies, the decision of controversies, and the education of
youth. The jurisdiction of the Silures was simple, and
their laws plain and few. Their courts of justice were
holden by the Druids, and by the princes or reguli, in the
open air, and on an eminence crowned with a cairn, that
all might see and hear their judges, and their decisions.
One of these courts was erected in the territories of every
state, perhaps of every clan, or tribe. The Arch-Druid
held a grand assize once in every year, at a fixed time
and place. Their court stood upon an even fair spot of
ground, piled with stones to a considerable height, and of
an elliptical form, opening directly to the west. No laws
could be either enacted or repealed, without the consent
of King, Nobles and Druids, expressed in a general con-
vention.

Their religion was partly patriarchal, and consisted in
the acknowledgment of One infinite, eteruEiI, omnipotent
and self-existing Being, whom they denominated Duw.
The worship of the true God was preserved inviolate by
the British Druids, under every adverse circumstance of
their country, whatever indulgences, in condescension to
the wishes and commands of their proud and intolerant
conquerors, might have been conceded to the vulgar.

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38 HISTORY OF HADNORBHIRE.

Tbey neither erected temples nor carved images. Their
acts of devotion were performed in the lace of the sun,
being taught to consider that grand luminary, for its
great benefits to mankind, as a proper representative of
the deity; and were either on the tops of mountains, or
on open plains, whereon were erected for the purpose
plain and unchiselled stones or altars. On every one of
these was kindled n large fire; which, from the beneficial
influence of light and beat, in producing and maturing
the fruits of the earth, the surrounding votaries were
instructed to regard as an emblem of the deity ; " for,"
observed the Druid, " as God fills all space, so does heat
pervade all things."

The amount of the population of the district under
consideration, during the remote period in which it con-
stituted a part of ancient Siluria, it is impossible at this
day to ascertain. Undoubtedly, it participated in the
prolific increase which characterized all the other districts
of the island in ancient times. To this increase the divi-
sion of the great landed properties, and the equal distri-
bution of inheritances, effected and secured by the law or
custom of gavelkind, must have greatly contributed; and
hence Boadicea was enabled to bring into the field an
army of 300,000 fighting men.

Section 3. — The Ancient DivUiotu of thit District.
These have been different at different times. Long
prior, as well as subsequent, to the Roman invasion of
Britain, it constituted a part of the renowned kingdom of
Essyllwg, a word which signifies an open country abound-
ing in prospects, and was denominated by the Romans
Siluria. From the time of their departure from Britain
to the reign of Athelstan, the Saxon king of England ;
this district, together with a part of Montgomeryshire, a
part of Shropshire, a part of Herefordshire, and a part of
Gloucestershire, was included in that territory, which went
under the denomination of Ffer-llys, corruptly written
Fferregs and Ffemex. Ffer-llys is a compound word,
signifying a country " copious in grass," which Virgil

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HIBTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 29

would have LatiDized by the word " herbosa," and
perhaps Homer would have rendered into his sonorous
tongue by the epithet Xex«ro(.(. This etymology strikingly
accords with the character and quality of the soil of that
country, which lies between the rivers Wye and Severn,
agreeably to the old distich, —

" Blessed is the Eye
Betwixt the Severn and the Wye."

And with the more detailed and beautiful description
given of it in the Shaksperean language of Lear, a British
sovereign, —

" With shadowy forests, and with champaigns rich'd,
With plenteous rivers, and with wide-skirted meads."

The abundant fruitfulness and enchanting amenity of
this extensive district, confirm the propriety and justness
of its ancient appellation, Ffer-llys, as well as of the
derivation now for the first time given of that appellation.
At this time Hereford, the capital town of the territory,
was called Fferley. This, among other proofs that may
be adduced, the following distich evinces, extracted from
the monkish hymn, or elegy, sung in the church of Here-
fi3rd, at the celebration of the funeral of Ethel-
bert, a Saxon prince, who was assassinated by
Offa, king of Mercia, when he came invited to treat with
him concerning the espousals of his daughter: —

" Corpus tandem est delatum,
In Fferldd tumulatum."

The princely corpse from thence at length convey'd,
With funeral pomp in Fferhx^s church was laid.

Hence may be perceived the absurdity of the derivation
ascribed to the word Ffer-llys by English antiquaries, un-
acquainted with the British language, viz., the "country
of Fern," because some ignorant copyist erroneously tran-
scribed it Ffemlys ; and, hence, it may be inferred that
the city now called Hereford had not received that name
at this period ; nor, indeed, was it so denominated until a
considerable time after.

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30 HlSTORy OF RADNORSHIRE.

In the reign of Roderic the Great, Prince of
Wales, about the year 880, the district under
consideration belonged to the principality of Powis, or
Mathrafal, which formed the third grand division of
Wales, conferred by the afore-mentioned prince upon his
third and youngest son, Merfyn. By virtue of this
partition it consisted of three cantrefs, and ten cwmwds.
The cantrefs were,— 1. Moelienydd ; 2. Elfel ; 3. Y
Cla*dd. Moelienydd comprehended four cwmwds, viz.,
— 1. Cerri ; 2. Swydd y gr^; 3. Rhiwyrallt; 4. Glyn yr
Eithon. The cantref of Effel contained three cwmwds,
viz., — 1. Uwch mynydd; 2. Is mynydd; 3. Dech Ddyf-
nog. The cantref of Y Clawdd comprehended three
cwmwds, viz., — 1. Dyfiryo Tafediad ; 2. Swydd Wyn-
ogion; 3. Penwyllt.

About the latter end of the reign of Edward
'the Confessor it is supposed that a certain part
of this district first assumed the name of Radenore ; the
other divisions retained their British or Welsh appellations.
During the reign of the first kings of England of the
Norman race, this district was distinguished as forming
a part of the Marches of Wales, a word that seems to be
derived from mears, boundaries. This tract, lying con-
tiguous to Offa's Dyke, became on each side a disputed
frontier, varying as the success of war between England
and Wales preponderated. It was at different times
granted by the kings of the former country to their
nobles, who hence acquired the names of Lords Marchers,
and who instituted a peculiar species of government.

At the complete and final incorporation and union of
Wales with England, in the twenty-seventh year of the
reign of King Henry the Eighth, this district, then dis-
tinguished as a part of the Marches of Wales, was formed
into a distinct and independent county, comprehending
fifty-two parishes, which are arranged in six hundreds,
and including one capital borough, four contributory
boroughs, and four market-towns.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

AI33M of the Borough of New Radnot.

Section 4. — Its Tommenau, Camau, and Cromlechau,
A tommen, tumulus, or barrow, is a mound of earth
thrown up in a conical form. If there was no other
evidence of the scientific attainments of the British Druids,
the construction of tommenau, or barrows, affords a con-
vincing proof They are all raised upon an outline struck
with geometrical exactness from a centre, and as true as
if it was drawn with a large pair of compasses. Many
of them reach to the height of about thirty feet; the
circumference measures nearly as many yards, and they
are deeply ditched and moated round.

It is probable that the tommenau, or barrows, were
applied by the Silures, or Britons, to various and different
uses. First, and principally, in them were deposited the
remains of the illustrious dead, and also of warriors slain
in battle in defence of their country. Secondly, they
were used as a temporary resort and defence against the
sudden inroads of their enemies, the circular form of
them enabling the few to repel the many. Hence they
are generally situated in the vicinity of a mansion, or
church, or village, and constitute the fortifications of those
places. Sometimes they are placed on the tops of high
hills, where they are seen at a great distance, probably
for this reason, — being thus exposed to the sight of every
one, they brought to their remembrance the venerated hero
there interred, and stimulated the spectators to revenge his

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

32 HISTORY OF RADNOIWHIRB.

death. Taken collectively, they exhibit a complete eys-
tera of vigilatory communicating points. Lastly, they
are supposed to have been the scenes of some druidical
rites, and aiso used as places of local assemblies.

On the side of the road leading from New Radnor to
Walton are three barrows, one of them of a considerable
magnitude. In the parish of Llanfihangel-Nant-melan
are also three barrows, forming a triangle almost equi-
lateral, the longest side being about a mile. The one
barrow is situated above Blaenedw, on the brow of the
Forest of Radnor; it is deeply moated round, and also
defended by other trenches cut on the side of the hill.
From it is seen a most extensive, diversified and pictu-
resque view of the country to the south and west.
The name of an adjacent farm-house being Gwem-yr-
Arglwydd, that is, the Lord's Oris, affords a presumption
that in this tommen was interred the corpse of one of the
reguli, or chieftains, of the district. One is near the
church, adjacent to the turnpike road ; and the third
about half a mile distant to the east, on the brow of a
steep precipice, large, and deeply moated round. The
position of these three barrows is such as would fulfil
most of the purposes obtained by the establishment of
telegraphic posts.

In the parish of Llanddewi-ystrad-ennau, on the bank
of the river leithon, is a very considerable tommen, or
barrow, called Bedd y Ore, that is, the grave of the
equerry. But as Bedd is not a Celtic word, its present
orthography is susceptible of doubt ; and it has been
suggested that the original writing was Budd-y-Gr^,
which signifies the race of victory, thereby denoting
that the enemy sustained a repulse in his attack on this
barrow and the adjoining camp, which is British.

Agreeably to the plan adopted and executed by Roderic
the Great, Prince of Wales, of dividing his kingdom
into three principalities, a cwmwd, or habitation, of this
district, assumed the name of Swydd-y-gr^, that is, the
office and jurisdiction of Gr^, who is supposed by some
to have been a chieftain, slain in combating the invaders

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRE. 33

and despoilers of his country on the very spot on which
the barrow, or tumulus, that bears his name is con-
structed. The circumstance of the tommen being not of
a sepulchral, but of a military, nature, favours either
supposition, and, in conjunction with other similar works,
proves that the neighbourhood has been the scene of
much conflict. The right interpretation, however, seems
to be this. Gre is an abbreviation of Greorion. Now
Greorion are those tenants of the prince who held lands
under him upon the condition of entertaining the keepers
of those live stock and cattle which were to be slaughtered
for the use and provision of the prince's family, or atten-
dants, whilst he resided in their manor, on his royal
progress through his dominions. For which purpose the
prince had a manor-house in every cantref. And each
manor was obliged to provide for his retinue, as long as
he resided in it, and wliilst he travelled through it. The
manor of Swydd-y-gr^ was of this sort.

On the common, in the parish of Llandrindod, are
several tommenau, or tumuli, five of which are placed at
a very small distance from each other, a proof that in
ancient times there had been upon this spot a dreadful
carnage. These five have been opened, and were found
to contain human bones, pieces of half-burnt charcoal,
and spear-heads, called celts, kc, covered with a heap
of loose stones.

On the right bank of the river Wye, near the town of
Rhayader, and in front of the church of Llansaintfread
Cwmdauddwr, stands a tommen, or barrow, of very con-
siderable magnitude, deeply ditched or moated round.
It has long been supposed that the bones of St. Fraid,
who flourished in the seventh century, and to whom the
church was dedicated, were deposited in this tumulus.
But on removing some of its materials a few years ago,
for the repair of the adjacent road, or for laying a
foundation for the contiguous cottages, a silver coin,
about the size of a crown-piece, of moat exquisite work-
manship, and in excellent condition, was found, on which
was inscribed in relievo the word "Serais." Now Serais

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34 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

is a city in Palestine, which, after sustaining a long and
bloody siege, was captured by the army of the Crusaders.
Hence it is conjectured that this silver piece was a medal
cast in commemoration of this signal victory, and that
the person inhumed in this receptacle was not a saintly
hermit, who devoted his days and nights to prayer and
fasting, but a military hero, whose bravery in fighting
against the Saracenic infidels of the Holy Land, and
whose interpidity in mounting the breach of the stormed
Serais, were remunerated with this medal, but whose
name, after diligent inquiry, seems at this distance of
time to be irrecoverable. It is not improbable that, as
the saint and the hero were engaged in the same cause,
— viz., in promoting the Christian faith, — the one by the
spiritual, and the other by the temporal, sword, so after
their deaths the ashes of both were mingled together in
this sacred repository. Close to the bridge of Rhayader
is another barrow of much inferior dimensions, having at
its top a circular hollow, whence it is supposed the hoary
Druid harangued and instructed the surrounding populace,
and who, at a small adjoining eminence, called Bryn, or
the Tribunal, expounded to them the law. About the
half of a mile east of the town of Rhayader is another
barrow, in a field called Cefh Ceidio, that is, the Ridge
of Ceidio, a saint who lived in the sixth century, and
whose bones; it is supposed, lie there inhumed.

The numerous valleys in which the rivers of this
county, viz., the leithon, Edwy, Teme and Lug, flow,
are studded with these artificial mounds of earth, de-
monstrating at once the strenuous opposition which their
respective invaders encountered, and the slaughter that
preceded the submisssion of the natives. Every inch of
ground therein seems to have been obstinately disputed.
Nor are these memorials of the courage of the inhabitants
confined to the low grounds; they also crown the sum-
mits of the hills. On an highly elevated ridge of hills,
in the parish of Aberedwy, stand eminently in view three
tumuli, or barrows. These are not placed in a straight
or direct alignment with each other, but at the angles of

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 36

an equilateral triangle, each side of which measures about
a hundred paces. They are all deeply ditched, or moated
round, forming conspicuous objects at a great distance,
and commanding a most extensive and diversiiied pro-
spect. Their number and their position completely over-
throw the hastily formed conjecture of those tourists
who have erroneously pronounced all such works of the
ancient Britons — rude, indeed, if compared to the modem
improvements in the art of war, but constructed on truly
geometrical and military principles — to be nothing more
than beacons, or specula, erected for vigilatory and
exploratory purposes only ; a sentence that accords as
little with a discriminating judgment as it does with the
circumstances of the situation of the country, irhere
every hill presents a natural watch tower.

To prevent, therefore, the recurrence of these and the
like misconceptions, it may not be amiss briefly to notice
the characteristics by which these artificial mounds of
earth are distinguished, and by which their original
designation and use may be ascertained. Those barrows,
then, which, constructed in the simplest manner, form
merely a circular protuberance of inferior dimensions,
without either a fosse or a rampart, were appropriated to
sepulchral purposes, and used as places of interment;
whilst such as indicate a more laborious and complete
finish, and are surrounded with a high agger and a deep
ditch, served as military fortifications, and, indeed, seem
upon the whole admirably adapted to the operations of a
defensive campaign. Of these several uses, however, the
appointment was arbitrary ; and no tommen, or barrow,
was applied to one particular purpose exclusively. The
Britons were a people of too free a turn of thinkmg, and
too little controlled in acting, to be enchained to a system,
and they designated the same tumulus to many and
various uses, — now as an exploratory speculum, and now
as a military post,— but made all of them indiscriminately
repositories of the dead. This latter was a political ar-
rangement, and seemed calculated to produce a beneficial
effect. For the knowledge that a brave defender of his

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36 HISTOBV OF RADNORSHIRE.

country's independence was inhumed in such a tumulus,
or barrow, served to stimulate the survivors to imitate his
valour, to revenge his death upon the enemy, and to
preserve his sepulchre from pollution. No duty was of
more imperious obligation among the Britons than that
of guarding from hostile insult the sleeping manes of
their respected forefathers.

Section 5. — It$ Fortijicatioiu and Encampment*.
Whoever looks at the Silurian encampments of this
district with a mind divested of prejudice, and with the
discriminating eye of a soldier, will soon have just cause
to doubt the accuracy of those writers whose practice
upon all occasions is to decry the skill and ingenuity of
the ancient inhabitants of this island in general, and to
expose the rudeness aud imbecility of their fortifications
in particular. A very different opinion of the latter,
however, has been entertained and expressed by military
officers in the British army, of acknowledged merit and
eminence in their profession, who, after a strict examina-
tion of these works, have not hesitated to declare in strong
terms their approbation, — that it is impossible to excel
the judgment with which these fortified posts have been
selected, and that the smallest change of their respective
positions would not prove so well calculated to produce
the desired effects of a defensive system, to retard the
progress of an invading enemy, and to facilitate aud keep
open communications with the besieged. They go on
further, and add that, by the plan of Caractacus, all his
dominions were distributed into spaces comprehended by
equilateral triangles, and that fortified encampments were
placed at each of the angles — all three within the view of
each other, and capable of giving and receiving mutual
succour and support, — and that an invading force, by
successfully carrying one of these fortified angles, could
make no progress, nor remain secure, in a country pre-
viously exnausted of supplies, unless he also carried all
the three. If this were the case, if such be the character
and disposition of Silurian encampments, — the truth of

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 37

which may be verified or disproved by actual examination,
— it is more easy to account for the long opposition which
Caractacus, with an inferior and undisciplined force, was
enabled to make against the conquerors of the world,
aided by several of his own countrymen, than to justify
the unmilitary conjecture whereby some have attempted
to confine the operations of nine years to a short line,
supposed to have commenced at Malvern, and to ter-
minate, alas! at Coxwal!,— a space of ground compre-
hending little more than thirty-five miles, — a conjecture
which, if realized, would have left the resources of his
kingdom almost untouched, and rendered his various and
triangular positions unserviceable and useless.

Nor is the configuration of each distinct and separate
encampment less scientific than is the disposition of the
whole judicious. It has been a subject of dispute with
military people whether is most eligible, on the principles
of a defensive system of operations, a square camp like
that of the Romans, or the elliptical camp of the Silures,
or Britons. The preference has been awarded to the
latter. It requires fewer men for its defence ; the eye of
the commander embraces the greater part of its circum-
ference ; and the point of attack, whether made in front,
or in flank, is more speedily succoured, and more easily
repelled. Whereas a square camp has four sides to
defend; it must present a distinct front on each side; the
commander can take a view of only one side at a time ;
and by a false attack on the flanks, the rear and front are
liable to be forced.

That the kingdom of Siluria was anciently distributed
into triangular districts studded with camps, is an assertion
founded not on testimony alone ; the result of a personal
examination will likewise evince its truth; nay, the in-
spection of a common map of the territory will suffice.
Even this small district of it presents examples of this
singular and truly military arrangement of its defensive
fortifications. Burfa Bank, Newcastle, and Cwm, or
Wapley, secure its north-eastern frontier, while its south-
eastern boundary is guarded by the several camps of

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38 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Brilley, Huntington, and Leonhales. The Silurian camp
of Burfa, which is within the limits of this county, and
Bradnor, a Roman intrenchment, about a mile west of
the town of Kington, and on the Welah side of Offa's
Dyke, occupy the opposite sides of a valley watered by
a river called Hindwell, and stand as if opposed to each
other. Burfsi is situated on the south-eastern extremity
of the Vale of Radnor, on the summit of a conical or
pyramidical eminence, as the monosyllable Bur signifies,
and is defended by a triple ditch. The sides of the hill
are steep and almost inaccessible. It stands within view
of the other two intrenched angles, Newcastle and Cwm,
and corresponds in all respects with the camps occupied
by Caractacus, the Silurian commander, whose system
of defence, as described by Tacitus, consisted partly in
fixing the positions of his encampments on the banks of
the rivers opposed to the line of march of the Romans.
Its form is elliptical, its area contains about three acres,
and it commands a very diversified and picturesque view
of the adjacent country. Newcastle camp is situated
about three miles and a half west of the town of Presteign,
almost adjoining the turnpike road leading to the town of
New Radnor. It is quite perfect, and is circular in form.
Its diameter measures about 220 yards, and its circum-
ference about 660 yards.

At a place called Gaer, in the parish of Llanddewi-
ystrad-ennau, is a camp of superior style and strength.
This fortification occupies the summit of a high hill
impending over the Vale of leithon, of an oval form,
defended by two parallel intrenchments, and almost in-
accessible on the side of the river leithon. Various have
been the conjectures formed respecting the original occu-
pancy and property of this distinguished military post.
From its elliptical form, many have been induced to
adjudge its original construction to the Silures, who

fenerally preferred positions of that particular shape and
gure. "In this opinion we are inclined to coincide, adding
that, from its name, Gaer, and from other circumstances,
it appears to have been possessed and occupied by the

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRB. 39

Romans, if not as a military station, yet as an explo-
ratory position; and that, in a subsequent period, it was
garrisoned both by the defenders and invaders of this
district, in alternate succession, is a fact not only
extremely prgbable, but altogether certain ; as well from
the circumstance of this neighbourhood having been the
scene of many bloody engagements between the native
Welsh and Normans, as from the natural and artificial
strength of this post, not to be slighted or overlooked
with impunity by either party. On a hill opposite is the
large mound, or tommen, of earth, inclosed by a small
moat, noticed above.

In the lordship of Stanage, on the declivity of a hill,
and near its summit, is a small camp of a circular form,
and, consequently, of British construction. Its area has
been planted with trees by Charles Rogers, Esq., the
proprietor. Its particular designation is unknown. It
might have served as a place of retreat to the discomfited
Britons flying from Coxwall Knoll, or as an exploratory
post. In the same lordship, on the right bank of the
river Teme, in a low situation, is a large barrow, or
tumulus, deeply moated round, and closely connected on
the east side with a level area, resembling in figure a
parallelogram, and surrounded with an agger. The
original designation of the whole it is by no means
difficult to explain. It belonged to the lord, or regulus,
of the district. On the elevated mound stood his palace;
the apartments of his domestics occupied the area below;
and on each side of the valley, which this fortification
was intended to protect, were placed the scattered habi-
tations of his vassals, all of whom were within the hearing
of the sound of his horn, when danger approached, and
the alarm was given.

There are many other Silurian intrenchments in the
northern division of the county ; especially one in the

Karish of Bugaildu, called Crug-y-Buddair, that is, the
lount of Ambuscade ; contiguous to which is an ancient
Silurian fortification, accompanied with considerable re-
mains of building. Immemorial tradition ascribes remote

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40 HISTORY OF HADNORSHIBE.

antiquity to this dilapidated reiic, and records it to have
been the occasional residence of Uthyr Pendragon, the
father of the renowned Prince Arthur. Traditionary
reports contain some truth, mingled with much falsehood.
There is, however, reason to believe that this place be-
longed, if not to the celebrated hero above named, who
was a Silurian, yet to some noted chieftain of the district,
of a more recent era, whose name and whose actions are
equally forgotten. At the foot of Crug-y-Buddair is a
field, still called the " Bloody Field," in which it Is said
a battle was fought; but neither the year, or the occasion,
can now be ascertained.

We pass on to record some of the principal encamp-
ments that fortify the line of the river Arrow, on the
south-eastern frontier of this district. Here we discern
three of considerable magnitude and respectability ; the
one being dignified with the appellation Gaer, or Caer,
the usual designation of military stations. This camp,
which is British, occupies the summit of a high and com-
manding eminence, from which a most beautiful prospect
extends to several adjoining counties, both Welsh and
English. The inclosed area is a large corn-field, con-
taining about thirty-one acres. It is situated in the
parish of Michael -church, and, under the denomination
of Upper and Lower Giaer, includes outposts which guard
the fords of the river Arrow, the valley of which is here
studded with numerous tumuli, or barrows, which denote
that this spot has been the scene of much conflict and
carnage. At a short distance to the south is a military
work of the Britons, denominated Pencastle Camp, and
situated in the parish of Llanbedr. This is a camp of
considerable magnitude and strength, and calculated to
serve the purposes for which it v/as constructed. The
third camp, forming the west angle of this triangular
position, is situated about a quarter of a mile to the north-
east of the village of Clascwm, on a farm called Wem,
on a commanding eminence, judiciously selected to guard
the defile leading to the village, as also to check the pro-
gress of an enemy advancing through the narrow vale, in

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 41

which flows a rivulet called Clas, which unites and empties
itself into the river Arrow, in the neighbouring parish of
Colfsi. It consisted of a double intrenchment, encircling
three-fourths of the summit on which the camp is situated.
Being partly open to the south and south-west, the natural
difficulty of access from those points, and the little appre-
hension of an enemy approaching from that quarter,
rendered the addition of an intrenched work on that side
unnecessary. It is called Clas-gwyr; the dingle leading
to the foot of the eminence is denominated Cwm Twarch.
No traces of building are at present discernible. These
three camps were undoubtedly occupied by the Silures,
and used by them as military posts of defence ^;ainst
the Romans invading this territory from the side of
Herefordshire.

This part of the county is rendered very interesting by
a number of artificial mounds, fortified posts, cromlechau,
and other vestiges of antiquity, all which will be described
in the historical account of the several parishes in which
they are respectively situated. The security of the re-
maining portion of the district to the south and south-
west seems to have been consigned by the Silures to the
natural fortification of the \^e ana of its precipitous
banks, especially on the sooth side, whilst the river Teme,
in conjunction with the positions of Caer-Caradoc and
Cnwc-las, which latter was originally a camp, subse-
quently a castle, protected its north-eastern quarter.

Section 6. — Roman Station* and Roadt.
Having thus noticed the antiquities of this district
which are Silurian, or British, our next inquiry will be
devoted to the consideration of those that are reputed
Roman. On a subject that has been exposed to much
controversy it may afford some gratification to the reader
to have the ancient and modem names of the stations,
which the Romans established within the territory of the
Silures, presented at once to his view, together with their
relative distances, expressed in Roman and English miles ;
whereby he wilt be Tbetter enabled to exercise his judg-

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42 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

ment with respect to the juataess of the arrangement that
has been made of their respective situations.

A Table showing the names of the Roman Stations in Siluria,
together with their Relative Distances in Roman and English
Miles.'

1. Maridano, from Caermarthen b.m. b.m.

2. Leucarum, to Lougher, near Swansea 15....22J

3. Nidum, to Neath 15 22J

4. Bovium, to BovertOD, near Cowbridge 16. . . .22^

5. Iscam. Leg. II. Aug., to Caerleon 27 40^

6. Burrium, to Uske 9 13^

7. Gobannium, to Abergavenny 12. ...18

8. Magna, to Kenchester 22 ... .33

9. BraTonium, to Brandon 24. . . .36

10. From Isca to Venta, Caerwent 9 13}

1 1. Prom Gobannium to Blestium, Monmouth .... 1 i . . . . 16J

12. From Gobannium to Ariconium, Rosehill, or? n lei

Bolitre... ...i "•■••16i

13. From Ariconium to Clevum, Gloucester 15....22J

14. From Bravonium to Viroconiam, Wroxeter. ... 27 . . . .40J

It is supposed upon good grounds that many more
stations of considerable note were occupied by the Romans
within the district of the Silures ; but these are all that
the Itinerary of Antoninus has enumerated. Some of
these, as it appears from the column of English miles,
are erroneously placed, and misinterpreted, as will be
proved hereafter.

Of the stations above-named, four, viz., Venta, Go-
bannium, Ariconium, and Magna, are declared to have
been cities, and Isca and Blestium towns. The justness
of this distribution, though supported by the authority of
Richard of Cirencester, is very disputable ; because the
acknowledged celebrity of Isca (Caerleon), the residence
of a Roman legion, and the seat of an archbishopric,
entitled it to a precedency above jdl the others, and
secured to it an undeniable claim, not only to be classed
among the cities of Britain, but also to have been, as it
really was, the metropolis of the kingdom of Siluria.

8 We print this table exactly as it stands in the M8.-— Ed. Asch.
Cahb.

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRB. 43

Whilst Magna, vhich contained only one Roman cohort,
generally consistiDg of between two and three hundred
men, seems to have been undeservedly raised into the
honourable distinction of a British city.

But whatever mis^ht have been, in ancient times, the
rank and dignity of the Roman station Magna, whether
of a city or a town, it must forego all pretensions for
having occupied the site assigned to it by Mr. Horsley
and his follower. This dechiration will, no doubt, I>e
received with a degree of astonishment, and treated as

{)re8umptuou9, by those who implicitly subscribe to this
earned antiquary's sentiments, and deem his opinions
little less than oracular. But notwithstanding we im-
posing and prepossessing name of Horsley, and the
numerous retinue of his able and ingenious supporters,
we despair not of being able to convince every impartial
and unprejudiced inquirer of the inadmissibiUty of his
arrangement of Roman stations within the district of the
Silures, and that the placing of Ariconium at Rosehill,
Magna at Kencbester, and Bravonium at Brandon, not
only militates against every rule that ought to guide
researches of this nature, but is in fact erroneous and un-
founded.

In the first place, the liberties which this learned
antiquary has taken with the admeasurement of the
Itinerary, and the violence with which he has altered the
distances between the stations therein enumerated, making
them either longer or shorter, as it suited the convenience
of his hypothesis, must tend to vitiate the whole fabric
of his arrangements. To accede to his representation
of a work which was intended to serve as an authorized
standard to the nation, is to allow a strange and unac-
countable variation in computing the distances of the
several stations, and that the Itinerary admeasurement
signifies one thing in one province, and another thing in
another province. Nor is this all. The proportion be-
tween the Itinerary and the English admeasurement not
only varies in the same province, but even in the same
district. Nay, to complete the absurdity, it is added that

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44 HISTORY OF HADNORBHIRE.

the distances between certain stations, as expressed ia the
Itinerary, do not differ from the present English ad-
measurement ; whilst between other stations in the same
district, not only the Roman and English standards vary
considerably, but also require a reversed mode of com-
putation ; two Itioerary miles making in some instances
three English ones, and in others two English being
equal to three Itinerary miles. What faith is due to so
many and sucli gross contradictions? Or what con-
fidence can be placed in such uncertainties ? And what
commentator, using such bold and unwarrantable liberties
with his author, distorting the text, and perverting its
natural and obvious meaning, can hope to be received
with any kind of complacency or approbation ?

If the Itinerary admeasurement possess that uncertain
and varying signification, and require those emendations
which Mr. Horsley has discovered and recommended,
why was not this necessity pointed out by its original
framers ? Why has it escaped " the notice of its various
editors for the space of sixteen centuries? And why was
the detection of the error reserved for Mr. Horsley? The
imperial surveyors observe total silence with regard to a
point, which, whilst it involves their own integrity and
correctness, is of too great importance to be concealed
from the public. The Romans were too wise a people
to affix several quantities to the same measure, which
could not have failed to produce embarrassment and
confusion; nor durst the authors of the Itinerary have
presented to their emperor a topographical survey of his
British dominions fi-aught with inaccuracy and error, and
which admitted so many and so various contradictions in
its computation of the several distances of the stations.

This brief exposition of Mr. Horsley's attempt to affix
a double and uncertain signification to the admeasurement
expressed in the Itinerary of the Emperor Antoninus,
must shake the stability of the topographical arrangement
of Roman stations within the territory of the Silures, by
which this antiquary is distinguished. A more minute
examination of tne justness of his position of Ariconium

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

aud Magna refipectively will produce a stronger convic-
tion of his erroneous adjudication.

For, unless actuated by the disposition so often ascribed
to him by competent judges, viz., "of seeing every
object, in his antiquarian researches, with Roman eyes, '
how could he, with the least colour of probability, fix the
site of Ariconium at Roaehill, or, agreeably to Sir Richard
Hoare's emendation, at Bolitre, near Ross ? a position
which strongly militates against the admeasurement
expressed in the Itinerary. The distance from Olevum to
Ariconium is fifteen Roman miles, equal to twenty-two
miles and a half English. But Rosehill, or Bolitre, is
but twelve miles from Gloucester. Consequently, there
is a deficiency of ten miles and a half, and therefore
Rosehill, or Bolitre, cannot be the site of Ariconium.
Besides, there is not the least assimilation of sound
between the words Rosehill, or Bolitre, and Ariconium.
This Roman station is, by every author that has written
of it, represented to have been situated in that division
of Siluria which was called by its ancient inhabitants
Erenwc. Now, the territory around Ross composed no
part of this ancient and noted division; consequently
Rosehill, or Bolitre, both which places are contiguous to
Roas, cannot be the site of the Roman station Ariconium.

If, then, the arrangement of Mr. Horsley, in placing
Ariconium at Roaehill, and of Sir RJchmt Hoare at
Bolitre, be unsupportable, the opinion of the former,
respecting the site of Magna, will be found not less
unfound^. He has fixed this Roman station at Ken-
chester, a position that likewise militates against the
admeasurement expressed in the Itinerary. For the dis-
tance from Gobannium to Magna is twenty-two Roman
miles, equal to thirty-three EngUsh. But the distance from
Abergavenny to Kenchester is but eighteen miles, conse-
quently there is a deficiency of fifteen miles. Therefore
Kenchester cannot be the site of Magna. Besides there
doth not exist the least assimilation, or coincidence, of
enunciation between the words Magna and Kenchester.

If, then, we have satisfactorily refuted the notion of

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46 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Rosehill, or Bolitre, being the site of Ariconium, and of
Kenchester being that of Magna, where shall we fix these
two stations ? Let this be the subject of our next inquiry.

With respect to the former, viz., Ariconiiitn, where
can it be so properly and truly fixed as in its ancient and
native seat, Kenchester, of which it is the original and
rightful proprietor; and conies clad in the armour of
truth to demand a reversal of its sentence, and to reclaim
possession of the inheritance from which it had been
unjustly ejected ; and this is the sum of the evidence with
which it substantiates its claim.

It has been before observed that a division of Siluria
was called Erenwc. This division comprehended the site
of what is now called Hereford, and a considerable extent
of the adjacent country, especially that which stretches
towards the south and west. Now, the appellation Erenwc
is the true and undoubted root of Ariconium, in which
word is perceptible a Latin termination, and, in the
preceding syllables, a coincidence of sound with the
original. This was the invariable practice of the Romans
in giving names to their military stations. They forbore
to obliterate the ancient and original names, as did their
barbarous and desolating successors, the Saxons. They
only clothed them in a Roman dress, affixing a Latin
termination, but retaining sometimes a syllable, or some-
times more, of their pristine enunciation. The recollection
of this important circumstance should inseparably accom-
pany every attempt to investigate the site of Roman
stations in Britain. The neglect of taking this useful and
sure guide hath occasioned numerous errors, and everv
deviation from this maxim hath been punished by a
proportionable absurdity. Kenchester is universally
admitted to have been the site of a Roman station. It is
situated in that division of the county of Hereford which
was anciently called Erenwc, and the only site of a Roman
station within that division. But Ariconium was a
Roman station, and also situated in Erenwc. Kenchester,
therefore, must be the site of Ariconium. Will the con-
clusiveness of this syllogism suffice, and spare the trouble

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HISTORY OF HADNOHSHIRE. 47

of referring to other proofs, such as the coincidence of the
two words Ariconium and Kenchester, one sytlable at
least of the former being preserved in the latter, which
was used anciently to be written Conchester; and also
the perfect accordance of the distance between Clevum
and Ariconium, with the number of miles from Gloucester
to Kenchester.

Considerable advantages will result from the restoration
of the site of Ariconium to its ancient and original patri-
mony, Kenchester, It will he a means of terminating
the long-agitated controversy respecting the origin and
etymology of Hereford. To dream that this city rose
from the ruins of Magna, is the extreme of absurdity.
But many authors of the first respectability have not
hesitated to assert that Hereford derived its name and
its existence from Ariconium. Tbis idea, which, at its
first formation, was perhaps only conjectural, is now
completely realized ; and the sole objection that opposed
its general admissibility removed, by placing Ariconium
not at Rosehill, or Bolitre, but at Kenchester, a situation
so conveniently contiguous to Hereford, wbither the
spoliations, torn from die parent, might easily have been
floated down the river Wye for the accommodation and
ornament of the daughter ; whereas such an operation
from Bolitre or Rosehill must have proved, in those days,
if not impracticable, at least difficult. Lastly, with re-
spect to Brandon being the site of the Roman station
Bravonium, whoever has seen this camp will readily
conclude that no Roman station was ever placed there.
Its relative distance from other acknowledged stations is
also irreconcilable with the Itinerary admeasurement.

A second advantage following the replacing of Arico-
nium at Kenchester is this : — ^it becomea the clue, or the
stepping-stone, that helps us to ascertain, and fix, the
true site of the Roman station. Magna. And, indeed,
this was the reason that induced us to enter upon the
preceding detail. The same attention to the relative
distances expressed in the Itinerary, and the same regard
for the coincidence of names, which have hitherto so

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48 ' HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

successfully conducted our researches, will likewise assist
us in fixing the true situation of this much-contested
station.

With respect to the adjudication of Camden, who placed
it at Old Radnor, a personal inspection of this vicinity has
put us in perfect unison with Mr. Horsley, who says,
"that there never has been a Roman station there, nor
any military way leading to it." But though we are
necessitated to abandon uie pretensions of Old Radnor,
yet we need not travel beyond the limits of this county
for the attainment of this long-desired object. It is
reasonable to suppose that the prudent and cautious
Romans would adopt and execute proper means of se-
curing the line of tne river leithon, as they did that of
the other rivers within the kingdom of Siluria, along the
course of which they penetrated into the country, and on
the right banks of which they established their stations.
This stream, indeed, if compared to the Wye, is not
entitled to particular consideration. But, viewed as the
boundary which terminated the Roman conquests in this
district, the leithon became an object of no small import-
ance in the estimation of a military people, intent upon
the security of their acquisitions, and constantly occupied
in devising means to increase them. To have left this
frontier unfortified, and by this neglect to have exposed
the interior country to the incursions of its fierce iidiabi-
tants, would have been a deviation from their accustomed
policy, as strange as it was culpable.

These suggestions suffice to convince us that the line
of the leithon was fortified by the Romans ; and, in lact,
we find this to have been the case. In the parish of
Llanfihangel Heligon, on the right bank of this river,
and partly overhanging it, and near to the mansion-
house of John Williams, Esq., of Cwm, is a military
station, universally acknowledged to be Roman. There
exist strong reasons for believing that this station is the
real site of the identical Magna of Mr. Horsley, or rather
Magos, agreeably to the mode of writing the word used
by Camden, and the respectable authors of the Ancient

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 49

Universal History. The reasoDS which confirm this
belief are the following : —

1. The distance from this station to Gobannium (Aber-
gavenny) exactly accords with the admeasurement ex-
pr^sed in the Itinerary, viz., twenty-two Roman miles,
which, being brought to a conformity with the English
standard, amount to thirty-three miles of our computation.

2. The relative distance of this station Irom other
relative stations is in complete unison with the Itinerary
admeasurement. We have already seen its perfect accord-
ance with that of Gobannium, or Abergavenny. If the
true site of Bravonium be fixed, it preserves its due
distance with that station also. Now, that Brandon is not
the site of Bravonium, appears incontrovertibly evident
by many cogent reasons. There is a place on an eminence
adjoining to the river Lug, about three miles east from
the town of Leominster, in Herefordshire, which, from
great quantities of Roman coins and other ancient relics,
as well as from its contiguity to several British camps,
seems entitled to be considered a Roman station, though
never before publicly noticed as such. It is usually called
by the common people Blackardun, from the blackness
of its soil. This won! is supposed to be derived from the
British Bwlchgaerdun, as its situation is at the head of an
important pass.

3. The coincidence of its name with Magna, or Magos,
affords a considerable argument in its favour. For the

K resent name, that was given to Sir Richard Hoare by
Ir. Williams, a gentleman little conversant in ancient
history, or in the knowledge of Roman antiquities, viz.,
Castell Gollen, is founded on no authority whatever, and
was then for the first time imposed, and merely from the
circumstance of a few hazel trees growing on its sides.
Prior to this time it was always distinguished by the
name Gaer, thereby denoting its Roman construction and
quality. But it appears Irom tradition, as well as from
other sources of information, that its original and primitive
appellation was Gaer-lagu. And it is a singular event,
that as a small and obscure hamlet, called Farley, near

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50 HISTORY OF HADNOR8HIHB.

the Clee Hill, in Shropshire, is the only spot that now
retains the ancient name of the country lying between the
Severn and the Wye, viz., Ffer-llys, so there exists at
present nothing but a ruinated mansion-house, situated
about a mile and a half towards the north-east from this
station, that preserves the memory of its primitive appel-
lation. This mansion-house is called Caer-fagu, and
entirely constructed of stone, thereby forming a singular
phenomenon in this vicinity. It bears marks of remote
antiquity, and indicates fallen grandeur. It commands
an important pass called Bwlch-trawspren, and was
embosomed till lately with groves of oak, as that name
signifies. From many vestiges of buildings, and other
relics, which have been discovered, extending themselves
in this direction, there is strong reason for supposing that
this mansion-house was an appendage to the station,
perhaps its citadel, where the prsefect of the Pacensian
cohort held his proconsular tribunsd, or court, issued his
edicts, and received the homage and tribute of the pacified
Silures. Its name, Caer-fagu, which, by the peculiarity
of the British language, has converted the letter M into
F, assimilates itself with Mago», or Magna ; and as it
signifies the populous city, it consequenuy corresponds
with the Latin appellation Magna Castra.

Sir Richard Hoare, in his splendid edition of Giraldus
Cambreyms, thus describes this Roman station : — " Its
square form is perfect, and encircled by a wall. It appears
to have had many out- buildings, as without the area of
the camp there are great irregularities in the ground.
Numerous fragments of Roman brick and pottery are
dispersed about all the adjoining fields. The south-east
side of the camp hangs over the river leithon." It is
much to be regretted mat a writer so well qualified to do
justice to this neglected station had not afiorded himself
more time, and taken greater pains to examine and inves-
tigate its name, and its other numerous appendages. He
might then have added that this station in all its parts
is the least mutilated of any belonging to the Romans in
Britain ; that it constitutes a square of one hundred and

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HlSTOBy OF RADNORSHIRE. 51

twenty yards, and that its wall is built of hammered or
rough-hewn atone ; that within it may be traced the
remains of partition walls, and that the prsetorium, or
the site of the tent of the commander-in-chief, is very
visible ; that it is situated on the north-west bank of the
river leithon, with an elevated area, commanding a fine
view of the adjacent country ; that the entrance into it
on the north-west side, being the quarter whence the
greatest danger was apprehended to arise, was guarded
by a double trench and rampart ; that on the south-east
side the buttresses of the bridge, which preserved the
communication with the country in that direction, remain
to this day ; and that besides bricks and pottery, Roman
coins also of the Empress Faustina, and human bones,
have been thrown up. With these, and many more
interesting particulars, the learned antiquary might have
furnished his commentary, and entertained and instructed
the public. But it did not at the time enter into his
conception that he was treading upon the much-disputed
station Magos, or Magna, which, in deference to the
overbearing authority of Horsley, and in acquiescence
with his great name, he erroneously supposed to have
left many miles in his rear, viz., at Kenchester.

Many remains of ancient camps and fortifications, as
well British as Roman, abound in this vicinity, more
especially in the adjoining parishes of Llanydrindod and
Disaerth, which not only tt^tify that this part of the dis-
trict hath been the scene of military action in remote
periods, but also demonstrate the obstinate resistance made
by its inhabitants to the Roman arms. For, from the
vestiges of many small camps, not fewer than eighteen in
number, in the same direction, extending upwards of a
mile and a half over the commons of Llanydrindod and
Howey, placed irregularly, some at the distance of sixteen
paces, others at three or four hundred, along the line of
march which the Romans are known to have used, all of
a square form, with obtuse angles from each other, it
appears evident that every yard of ground was warmly
disputed, and that the invaders durst not advance into

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRE.

the country without the precaution of throwing up, at
almost every step, camps for their defence and security,
which in some places deviate from the line of march only
for the manifest purpose of gaining the high ground.
They measure generally from twenty to thirty yards
within the agger, and have an entrance on each side, and
opposite to each entrance a mound. The agger is formed
of earth, and a few stones, about five or six yards thick,
and two feet high, and surrounded by a small trench,
except at the entrances. The cultivation of the country,
and the growth of trees, opposed and frustrated the endea-
vours to ascertain how far the continuance of these cattra
minora extended. Probably they reached much farther,
as well on the north-east towards Caer-fagu, as on the
south-west towards Llechrhyd, than can now be traced.

Some persons are inclined to dispute the original desig-
nation and use which the preceding statement ascribes to
these inferior encampments, and to suppose tbem to have
been merely castra (sativa, summer camps. If this had
been their sole use and application, where existed the
necessity of constructing so many in number, so small in
size, and placing them at so short a distance from each
other as only sixteen or eighteen paces ? If they had all
been occupied at once, they would have contained more
than three legions of soldiers, a number far exceeding the
Roman contingent that was ever at any one time quar-
tered in this part of Britain. Others think that these
camps were the habitations, or residences, of the workmen
employed in constructing the military road. But this
conjecture is as untenable as the other, and for the same
reason ; because the construction of so many receptacles
for the accommodation of the roadmakers, at so small a
distance from each other, was an unnecessary and a
superfluous labour. Could not a numerous company
of workmen walk the space of sixteen paces to the scene
of their labour, without being under the necessity of
forming, every successive day, anew and fortified encamp-
ment ? Probability, therefore, predominates in favour of
the first supposition, which ascribes the existence of these

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HISTORY OF RADNORSaiRB. 5o

numerous camps to the violent and pertinacious resistance
which the Romans experienced in this part of Siluria.
This supposition is further confirmed by the existence of
several tommenau, or barrows, contiguous to these camps,
indicating that at an sera long prior to the introduction of
Christianity into this part of the island, there had been a
dreadful mortality, or carm^e, of its inhabitants. Now,
to what sera in our national history can thb carnage be
assigned with greater congruity than to that which the
noble achievements of Caractacus so illustriously sig-
nalized ? That the scene of some of the exploits of tbjs
intrepid and renowned commander lay on this very
common, is rendered very probable by the circumstance
of its proximity to the site of his last sad conflict at Caer-
Caradoc, on the north-eastern frontier of this county, and
lying almost in a direct line from this place. In short,
when we recall to our recollectiou the many reverses and
defeats which the Romans sustained from the vigorous
and repeated attacks made by the indignant Silures, when
we take into consideration the irregular collocation of
these temporary encampments, which bespeaks not choice
but compulsion, and indicates the alarm that had seized
the minds of their constructors, together with the
numerous places of sepulture, that is, tommenau, or
barrows, with which this common is studded, we cannot
but allow to it as strong a claim for having been the
scene of at least some of these exploits as any situation
in the ancient kingdom of Siluria whatsoever. That a
great battle was fought here in very ancient times the
numerous barrows evince ; nor doth it seem less probable
that these small square fortifications, raised on situations
not in immediate contact with water, a convenience
invariably regarded by the Romans, are the result of the
hasty and compulsive effort of an invading enemy to
secure himself from impetuous attack, and avert sudden
surprize.

It doth not appear that there exist in the district under
consideration any more stations of Roman construction,
unless that distinction be allowed to one of a superior

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54 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

Style, which is situated upon the bank of the leithon, id
the parish of Llanddewi-yBtrad-ennau. This fortification
has heen already in part described, and various conjectures
are formed respecting the original occupancy of this
distinguished military post. Its elliptical form, and its
situation on a high and almost inaccessible eminence,
indicate a Silurian or British construction ; but it is to be
remembered that the Romans, like a wise people, were
not obstinately tenacious of their own military system,
but often changed their tactics as occasion and circum-
stances required, and adapted the configurations of their
encampments and stations to the nature and external
appearance of the ground selected for that purpose.
Hence their camps were of different forms, generally,
indeed, squarish with round angles, and often oblong, or
inclining to a parallelogram. The site of their stations is
to be traced on the northern banks of rivers, and fronting
the south. Whereas, the form of British or Silurian
encampments is round or elliptical, and their situation is
an high eminence and difficult of access. That this forti-
fied post was originally Silurian, we do not adventure to
deny ; but many reasons concur to induce us to suppose
that it was also possessed and occupied by the Romans,
such as the discovery of Roman coins ; the existence of a
Roman road, called in the British language Ystrad ; the
usual application of its name Caer, or Qaer, to signify
a Roman fort or garrison ; and, lastly, the circumstance of
its being the link which preserved the lins of communica-
tion between Caer-fagu, or Magos, on the one hand, and
Caer-sws, in the parish of Llandinam, Montgomeryshire,
on the Dt^er.

Access was had to every Roman station in Britain by
the formation of RomEm roads. Accordingly we find
these modes of communication issuing from the station
of Caer-fagu, or Magos, on the leithon, intersectii^ the
county in various directions, and facilitating and preser-
ving an intercourse, not only with its different parts, but
with the more distant divisions of Siluria. On this
subject Sir Richard Hoare has committed himself greatly.

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 55

For in his map of the Roman roads in Wales he has
drawn a straight line from this station on the leithon to
Kenchester, on the Wye, through a most hilly part of the
county, presenting obstacles which the Romans exerted
all their care and slill to avoid. A laborious investigation
of the relative situation and circumstances of the district
under consideration has obtained, we trust, a more suc-
cessful result.

In the first place, this station communicated with the
adjacent country by means of a bridge built over the
leithon, on its south-eastern side. From this bridge the
road took a oorth-westem direction, and proceeded by
Cae-bach, through the fishpond of Lianerchidirion, crossed
the commons in a straight line, entered upon the culti-
vated lands, passed through the fold-yard of a farm-
house called Rhewl,^ in the parish of Disserth, and arrived
at Llechrhyd, on the bank of the river Wye. Here the
Romans constructed a fort, or castellum, of a regular and
square form, for securing the passage over that river.
Having crossed the Wye, and having previous^ detached
a branch to communicate with the towns of Builth and
Hay, it traversed the county of Brecon, and arrived at
Maridunum, or Caermarthen. This branch, commencing
at Llechrhyd, passed by Llanelwedd, and proceeded in
a straight line to Colwyn Castle. Leaving Clascwm
Church a little on the left, it passed on in a line parallel
to the river Arrow, till it came to Newchurch; it then
ascended Brilley Hill, by a place called Gwryl-i^ch-ar-
rhewl, that is, the watch-tower on the road ; and, having
crossed that eminence with a gentle and easy sweep, it
proceeded in as straight a direction as possible through
Bolingham, Elsdun, Lyonshale, Noke, Milton, &c., to
Mortimer's Cross, where it formed a junction with the
two roads that came from North and South Wales. This
course is rather circuitous ; but it has the recommenda-
tion of avoiding the impassable bills which impede the
route pointed out by Sir Richard Hoare.

9 Yr Seol, the Street Road. — Ed. Ahoh. Cams.

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66 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

The third road from this station was that which passed
by the church of Llanbadamfawr, and proceeded, not
along the new tumpike-road, but along the old narrow
way leading to the fingerpost on the Pen-y-bont road,
the direction of which it kept for a few yards. It then
crossed over the cultivated fields on the left of that road,
and, having taken a line parallel to the river Clewedoc,
passed through the opening of the hills, and arrived at
a place near to Abbey Cwm-hir; whence it proceeded
through Bwlch-y-samau, that is, the Defile of the Cause-
way, to Caer-sws, in Montgomeryshire, on the bank of
the Severn, whence there was a Roman communication
with Deva, that is, Caer-leon-gawr, or Chester. This
road secured an intercourse between the Silures and
OrdoTJces, the latter of whom inhabited North Wales,
and were friends and allies. A branch of it striking
across the country by Sam Hel,* and communicating with
Lantwardine and Caer-Caradoc, proceeded to the Severn
and Viroconium, or Wroxeter. Nor was the communi-
cation with the south less free and open. For a Roman
road, commencing at Caerleon-upon-the-Usk, in Mon-
mouthshire, proceeded to Gobannium, or Abergavenny;
and, passing through a very interesting country in the
north-west direction, abounding in military positions,
and giving an idea of the "monies ardui ^ locorum
dv^cultates" of Tacitus, crossed the Wye at the town of
Hay; thence it proceeded through the parishes of Clyro
and Llanstephan, at Ty-yn-y-rhewl, and soon afterwards
fell into the road first mentioned, that led from Caer-
iagu, or Magos, on the leithon.

In the vicinity of these several roads have been dis-
covered coins, bricks, cinders, fragments of pottery, and
other relics, which distinguish the residences of the
Roman people in Britain; whilst in their formation a
uniform regularity of line remains everywhere con-
spicuous.

• 8am Helen? — Ed. Arch. Caub.

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

NOTE ON THE ROHAN STATIONS AND ROADS.
REMAKES OH THE SITES OF ABICOMIITH AND UAQNA 0A8TRA.

Thb publication, in the Journal of the Cambrian Archeeological
Aesociation of a paper, compiled many, years ago, intended as
a " History of Radnorshire," offers a subject which has been
formerly one of much controversy, although now considered
closed by the almost unanimous consent of modern antiquaries;
and, had the learned author lived in the present day, it may not
be too much to say tbut he, probably, would have joined in the
concordat.

Diverse as have been the statements of older authors respecting
the sites of the Roman stations of Ariconium and Magna Castra,
there is good reason to adopt the opinion which now generally
prevails, that they were situate within the confines of the county
of Hereford, the former at Bury Hill, in the vicinity of the town
of Ross, and the latter at Kenchester, about five miles west of
the city of Hereford ; and the proof is readily adduced.

The opponents of this theory have not denied that the Roman
stations of Glevura and Gobannium were respectively situated at
Gloucester and Abei^avenny; and, taking this as a postulate, no
very difficult problem is involved.

According to the Itinerary of Antoninus, the distance from
Glevum to Ariconium was fifteen miles, and from Gobannium to
Magna, twenty-two miles; and the same figures are quoted by
the author of the " History of Radnorshire ; " but his ai^uments
in favour of the positions which he advocates appear to be based
upon the supposition that the Roman mile was equal to one mile
and a half English, although he admits that there is great un-
certainty in the exact distance of the miles in the Itinerary, being
in some cases more than one mile, and in many instances less, SO
that, be contends, little faith can be placed upon such contra'
dictions.

In the absence of proof to the contrary, there seems no reason
why the miles in the Itinerary may not be taken at the acknow-
ledged length of one thousand paces, or five thousand feet, and
the chief difhculty is removed. Now the writer states that the
distance from Glevum to Ariconium was hfteen miles; but, as he
calculated the Roman mile at one and a half English, Ariconium,
he says, must have been twenty-two miles and a half from
Glevum ; whereas the supposed site (and which, it is contended,
is the exact one) is only about twelve miles from Gloucester.

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58 HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRE.

The same line of argument is pursued with respect to Magna,
which the author admits to hare been twenty-two miles from
Gobannium ; whereas he states that the distance from Kenchester
to Abei^venny is only eighteen miles, instead of thirty-three.

The theory which Is now generally adopted, as already stated,
of the sites of these respective stations, is therefore borne out by
the writer himself, whose error appears in not following the
standard measure of the Roman mile, which dears up the diffi-
culty raised against Bury Hill and Kenchester,

Should anyone gainsay the conclusion, it may be proper to
sum up these remarks by putting the question as a very simple
mathematical problem. Given two points, viz., Glevum at Glou-
cester, and Gobannium at Abergavenny, as admitted, what other
S laces, at the distances quoted, correspond with Ariconium and
lagna? Or, in another way, what Roman stations in like
manner lay cl^m to Bury Hill and Kenchester, which present
undoubted evidence of having been occupied by an imperial
people? J. Dayiss.

Section l.—Offa'i Dyke.

The description of this astonishing, hut useless, lahour,
participating neither in the character of a camp, nor of a
castle, naturally takes its place, as does the era of its
construction, between the conclusion of the account of
the one class of antiquities and the commencement of
that of the other. It is called, in the Welsh language,
Clawdd Offa, and, in English, Offa's Dyke, because it
was constructed in the reign and by the order
of Offa, the eleventh king of that part, or
division, of the Saxon Heptarchy called Mercia, who was
a most formidable enemy of Wales, and a violent abridger
of the ancient limits of that Principality. It extends
about one hundred miles in length, from Basingwerk, in
Flintshire, to Chepstow, in Monmouthshire, and enters
this county, on its north-eastern frontier, from the county
of Salop. Skirting the west side of the town of Knighton,
or Tref-y-Clawdd, it passes along the ridge of Frith
Hill, leaving Jenkin Allis to the east; thence along
Reeves' Hill, in a straight line from north to south, by

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UIBTORT OF RADNORSHIBE. 59

Penllan and Gilfach, towards the west, having Norton
village on the east, and Whitton and Lytton on the west;
it then crosses the river Lug, at its junction with a mill
stream, by a yew tree, to Maestrayloe and Discoed, leav-
ing Beggar's Bush on the west, and also Ebnol Chapel,
together with the Four Stones near the river Hindwell ;
it then continues its course, by Newcastle Camp, to
Evenjobb Hill, and Bareland, and Burf^ Bank, and
Lower Harpton, and Morgel Hill, where it assumes an
eastern direction along the ridge of Rushock Hill, Sheep-
walks. Kennel, and Golden Bank, near Eyewood; thence
to Kinsham, and, crossing the Arrow at Lord's Mill, it
runs in a parallel line with that river to Downfield;
thence through Lyonshall Park, Heath and Pen-rhds;
it then crosses the turnpike road, and stretches on to
Holme's Marsh, by the village on the east, whence the
vestiges of it disappear.

In many of the places above mentioned, the remains of
the Dyke are very visible, and form a monument of the
unperishable nature of works constructed of earth. The
sharpness of tlie contour of this Dyke is astonishing, and
appears almost as fresh as if cut yesterday, excepting the
edges, which are clothed with a fine verdure. Tlie castles
of this district, which were once deemed impregnable,
and frowned terror into their neighbourhoocf, and the
stone walls that environed and fortified the town of New
Radnor, have all crumbled into dust, and scarcely left a
fragment to ascertain their site, while this Dyke, composed
entirely of earth, remains to this day, in every place where
the plough has not intruded, an undecaying monument
of the labour of past ages.

On the original policy and intention of constructing
this embankment, various writers have expressed various
opinions. Some of the English historians have espoused
the conjecture that the intention of it was to protect the
kingdom of Mercia from the incursions of the Welsh.
But how weak a barrier must a mud wall present to a
ferocious and an intrepid people, whose animosity to the

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OU HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Mercians was inveterate, and whose indignation was
kindled into fury by the rapacious and unprincipled in-
vaders of their country I If, on the contrary, the Welsh
were a spiritless and pusillanimous enemy, as, from the
appearance of so weak a fortification, some modem wits
have been led to infer, where could be the occasion for a
protecting barrier at all? The true account of the matter
seems to be this : after a violent contest of twenty years'
continuance with the Mercian Offa, at the head of the
whole Saxon Heptarchy, in which both parties experi-
enced many reverses and defeats, a peace was concluded
betwixt the hostile nations, and a new boundary line
fixed, which the subjects of both concurred in forming.
And, in order to induce the Welsh to submit quietly and
peaceably to surrender the territories of which the fortune
of war had despoiled them, their enemies engaged that
this line should be the utmost limit — the ne plus ultra —
of their encroachments, and confirmed this assurance by
causing the bank to be thrown up on the east, as well as
on the west, side of the trench, testifying thereby that
the Dyke was hence to serve as a perpetual boundary,
which neither of them should be permitted to transgress.
This treaty, like all others of a similar nature, was ob-
served with good faith no longer than the moment when
the parties saw it convenient to violate its conditions.

By virtue of this line of demarcation, the town of
Kington, the parish of Huntington, and a considerable
portion of the adjacent territory, were included in Wales.
The Dyke extended no farther than the river Wye, which
afterwards constituted the boundary.

[JVbte. — We print this section vithout any commentary, and refer
the reader to the articles on Of&'s Dyke which are in the pages of this
rolnme of the Arcfueologia Cambrentit. The author's oWrvations
are of interest, chiefly as shoving that he was aware of the Dyke being
a line of territorial demarcation.— Ed. Arch. Caub.]

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HISTORY OF RADNOnSHIRE.

Section Q^—Cattlet.

The Silures, in common with the Britons, constructed
no castles from principle, and not from incapacity. They
disdained to shelter themselves behind walla, and always
evinced a strong aversion to confiaement of any kind.
Personally brave and intrepid, yet impatient of continued
exertions, they preferred the immediate decision of the
field, to the prolonged fluctuations of a siege. In this
respect, they were imitated by the Welsh ; and few, or
no, castles were constructed in any part of Wales, prior
to the invasion of the Romans, Saxons, and Normans.

The principal castles contained in this district, were
the following: — 1. New Radnor. 2. Payne's Castle.
3. Boughrhyd. 4. Colwen, or Maud's Castle. 5. Aher-
edwy. 6. Knighton. 7. Cnwclas. 8. Cefn-y-Uys. 9.
Cwmaron. 10. Moelienydd. 11. Duybod, or Tibboeth.
IS. Rhayader.

In a field on the south side of the church-yard of
Pencraig, or Old Radnor, from which it is separated
by the road, is to be seen a circular piece of ground,
surrounded by a deep moat, and called the Court-yard.
Foundations of buildings have occasionally been dug up
in this place, which seem to favour the general supposition
of there having been a round tower constructed on this
Mte, intended as well for defence as for imprisonment,
agreeable to the practice of the Silures and Britons, who,
on circular mounds of earth erected round towers, capable
of containing twenty or thirty men. The name affords
sanction to the conjecture that there was holden a court
of judicature, under the authority either of the Princes of
Wales, to whom this part of the district once belonged,
or of the ancient reguli of the district, or of the Lords of
Radnor, or of the Lords Marchers ; and perhaps under
the control of all these four powers successively. Its
contiguity to the church must have given additional
solemnity to the administration of justice. The outward
circular apartment was the audience hall and court of
judicature; the oblong building was the chief's own

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62 HISTOttT OP RADNOBSHinE.

retirement ; around this principal building were others
of various forms and dimensions.

1. New Radnor Castle. — It does not appear that any
castles were constructed within this district before the
Saxons had gotten a permanent footing in the eastern
frontier of it. This event happened in the year
1064, and was the consequence of Earl Harold's
second irruption into South Wales; for his first bad
proved eminently unsuccessful, when that ill-fated and
divided country was destitute of a bead, or governor.
This calamity, together with pieces of all-subduing gold
scattered among the needy chieftains, was the means of
&cilitating the enterprize, and promoting the usurpations,
of this ambitious and unprincipled peer, who seized the
possession of the vale of Radnor ; and, for its security,
erected the castle of New Radnor, and garrisoned it with
troops. Harold excelled in the art of war, and evinced
his military judgment by selecting this advantageous
situation for constructing a fortress, which should awe
and bridle the adjacent country. It was built on an
eminence, which, whilst it had an entire command of the
town below, defended the opening of a narrow pass, or
defile, that led into it between two hills from the west.
This castle appears, from the delineation given of it in
Speed's map, a copy of which is annexed, to have been
a fortress of considerable strength, and to have consisted
of an inner keep, and a base-court with semicircular
towers at the flanks, or angles. The intrenehments that
surrounded it are at this time almost entire. The outer
ward, called Baili glas, or the green court, is still distinct
from the inner one, or keep, and preserves its original
form. The walls of the town had, it is said, four gates,
obtending the four cardinal points of the compass : parts
of them are still remaining. Their site, together with
the moat, is very visible, especially on the west and south
sides of the town. They rested upon rows of small
Gothic arches. Near the western extremity of the parish,
and about a mile from the town of New Radnor, is
an intrenched dyke, which was continued from one ex-

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HISTORY OF HADNORSHISE. 63

tremity of the narrow vale to the other, and evidently
constructed as an outwork for the purpose of guarding
the defile, and securing the castle from a sudden coup de
main.

■ No other castleg were constructed within this district
till subsequently to the year 1108, when the rapacious
Normans, having undertaken its conquest, endeavoured
to secure their lawless encroachments by bridling the
country, and domineering over the natives by means of
garrisoned fortresses.

1130 ^' P'^y^^ Castle was built about the year

1130, by Payne, a Norman follower of the
conqueror of England, from whom it received its name.
Its original extent, splendour and magnificence are un-
known, there being neither history nor tradition left
to assist the researches of the author, who spared no
pains to collect the desired information of its history.
His efforts totally failed in the quarter to which he was
recommended. The remains of this castle exhibit at
present a very inconsiderable and mean appearance. Its
site is, indeed, discernible; and a few loose fragments of
its external walls show that there formerly existed a
building upon the spot.'

3. Boughrhyd Castle stood on the bank of the river
Wye, and was built by Eineon Clyd, Lord of Elfael.
On the site of it is recently erected a very elegant man-
sion and seat, by the late proprietor, Francis Foulke,
Esq.

4. Colwen Castle, or Maud's Castle, is situated about
four miles west of Payne's Castle, and stands on the
Forest Farm, in the parish of Llansaintfread. It was
built in the reign of King John, about the year 1216, by
William de Braos, Lord of Brecknock, in honour of his

1 PByne bad a eon, named Thomas, who led an only daughter and
heiress, named Alice. She having married Henry, the third Earl of
Lancaster, conveyed to that lumily this and all her other Welsh
estates, which devolved to her from William de Londres, and Richard
Seward, to whom she was related. He terminated his life in the
Crusades.

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64 HI8T0RT OF RADNORSHIRE.

wife, whose name was Maud de Saint Valeri, whence it
received the name of Maud's Castle. Its other appella-
tion was Colwen.

However celebrated may have been its ancient fame,
and whoever were its possessors, few or none are the
vestiges which bespeak its pristine splendour. There
still exist, indeed, a deep moat, and a green grass

{)lat, to point out the site on which this once frowning
ortress stood, but its walls compose the materials with
which a farm-house and out-buildings have been con-
structed.

5. On a narrow ridge contiguous to the junction of the
rivers Edw and Wye, and about four hundred yards from
the church, once stood the " Castle of Aberedw." At
what time this fortress was constructed, and by what
person, are points equally unknown. It is now in ruins.
At a little distance is an elevated mount of earth, on
which was constructed the keep, or tower. This castle
did certainly belong to Llewelyn, the last Prince of Wales.
There is also a cave, cut in the rock, about six feet square,
having a very small entrance, called Llewelyn's Cave. It
is said that this unfortunate prince was used to secrete
himself in this cave, and thereby foil the pursuit of his
enemies.

There was also in this neighbourhood another castle,
or fortification, that belong^ to this prince, the ruins
of which are to be seen at a place called Lledirhyd,
adjoining the road leading from Buallt to Rhayadar,
and at the distance of two miles from the former town,
and contiguous to the river Wye. Its regular and
square form has induced some persons to ascribe its
construction to the Romans, who used it for the purpose
of securing a passage over that river. It is certain that it
did belong to Llewelyn, wito, in his last effort to save his
country's independence, made it a post for preserving a
communication with Cefn-y-bedd, on the bank of the
Irfon, in Brecknockshire, and for facilitating his retreat
into North Wales.

6. Knighton Castle. — ^This town was anciently forti-

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HISTORY OF RADNOHSHIRE. 65

fied with a castle. The mouDt on which the keep stood
is to be seen on the west end of the town ; no other
vestige of it remains ; nor does there exist any clue to
direct us through the labyrinth of obscurity in which it
is involved, or introduce us to the knowledge of the
person by whom, or of the time when, it was constructed.
Probably, as the assailants of this part of the district
came from the county of Salop, the castle of Knighton
owes its origin to the family of the Arundels, or of the
Fitz-Warrens, of Clun. There subsists to this day a
close connection hetwixt these two towns.

7. Cnwclas Castle has long been so com-
pletely destroyed, as not to preserve the
smallest vestige.

8. Cefn-y-llys Castle stood on a bank of the river
leithon, and was almost surrounded by that river, ex-
cepting one narrow isthmus which communicates with
the country. Strong by nature, and fortified by art,
this fortress, before the invention and use of gunpowder
and artillery, must have been impregnable; it being
inaccessible on all sides, its north side only excepted, on
which is a narrow defile, which a hundred men might
defend against a thousand. Here was holden t^at
tremendous court of justice, or rather of injustice, called
the Lords Marchers' Court. From this appropriated use
of the place, and from the etymology of the name,
which signifies the " Ridge or Bank of the Court," Mr.
Malkin is induced to think that there never existed a
castle at Cefn-y-llys. This opinion militates against
the concurring testimonies of tradition, and of printed
authorities. Nor does the etymology of the name con-
trovert in the least the general allegation that there has
been a castle at Cefn-y-Uvs ; for, by the Lords Marchers,
courts of justice were holden in castles; so that there
appears no foundation for Mr. Malkin's singular opinion.
The castle of Cefn-y-llys was built by a Lord Marcher,
viz., by Ralph Mortimer, Earl of Wigmore, and Lord
of Moelienydd, in the year 1243, and coa-
tmued ID the possession oi nis family, with

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bb HISTORV OF RADNOBSHIRE.

the exception of occasional interruptioos by the Welsh
Princes, and attainder for high treason and rebellion, till
the reign of Henry VI., when Edmund, the last Earl of
March, of the name of Mortimer, died. It then de-
volved to Richard, Earl of Cambridge, who married his
only sister and heiress, and upon his attainder, and
finally upon the accession of his eldest son to the throne,
by the title of Edward IV., it became again vested in
the Crown.

In a place called the Castle Garden was dug up, some
years ago, a silver thumb ring. Many have supposed
it to be the signet ring of one of the Princes of South
Wales, who resided at Cefn-y-llys. The author ascribes
it to a much earlier age. This curious relic is now in
the possession of Mrs. Edwards, of Greenfields.

The same noble persons who constructed the castle of
Cefn-y-llys, built also the

9. Castle of Cwmaron, on the bank of a river of that
name. The site and moat are still visible, but not a
fragment of the superstructure remains. The

10. Castle of Moelienydd is said to have been origin-
ally constructed by the Earl of Chester, after a sudden and
successful irruption into Cantref Moelienydd. It was
afterwards taken and destroyed by the natives, headed by
their regulus, or lord.

11. JDuybod, or Tibboeth Castle, is situated on a steep
hill, called Crogen, on which, it is said, the refractory in-
habitants endeavouring to recover the possessions of their
forefathers,— in other words, exciting rebellion, — suffered
execution. This hili impends over the river leithon, in
the parish of Llanaao, and is about nine miles to the
north-west of the town of Knighton. The existing
remains of this mutilated fortress consist only of a con-
fused heap of thick walls, and fragments of walls. The
site, however, and a piece of the keep may be traced ; the
whole being surrounded by a deep moat. The obscurity
of its history, excepting only its final demolition by
Llewelyn ab Gru£fudd, Prince of Wales, in the year

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HISTORY OP RADNOBSHIEE.

1260, is to be regretted. Neither record nor tradition
respecting it exists. Perhaps it derived its name from a
nobleman called Tibetot, a justiciary of South Wales, in
the reig^ of Edward I., who is said to have possessed
property in this vicinity. The situation of this castle is
remsirkably wild and elevated ; it commands an extensive
prospect, and the frowning aspect of its ruius may be
discerned at a great distance. Naturally strong, and
inaccessible on all sides but one, which was well defended
by intrenchments that still remain visible, it might bid
defiance to the most violent and repeated assaults.

12. Rhayader Castle was constructed in the year 1178,
by Rhys ab Gruffudd, Prince of South Wales, for the

Surpose of checking and repelling the incursions of the
formans, who, having established themselves on the
maritime coasts of Cardiganshire, and extending their
encroachments into the interior, carried on a kind of
desultory and murderous warfare against this vicinity.
It stood on a nook of the river Wye, on the west and
north-west sides of the town, at the extremity of a small
common called Maesbach. Of the superstructure, no
vestige at present remains ; but the original foundation
may be traced. The only entrance which preserves a
communication with the castle, is a narrow space on the
north-east, between two deep trenches cut out of an
exceedingly hard and solid rock ; the one of which leads
to the river towards the north, the other inclines more to
the east. Along the south foundation runs a foss, about
sixteen feet deep and twelve wide, until it communicates
with a steep precipice, at the summit of which flows a
spring of excellent water, formerly used by the garrison,
and the bottom of which precipice is level with the bed
of the river. These three trenches form the three sides
of a quadrangle. At the bottom of the precipice was a
barrow, or tommen, surrounded by a moat, where was
erected the castle mill. The other tommen, or mount,
on the opposite bank of the river, in a straight line from
the castle, and excavated at top, has been noticed before,

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68 HtSTORT OP RADNORSHIRE.

and is introduced here merely for the purpose of sub-
joining a different conjecture of the original design of its
formation ; it being, in the opinion of some, nothing
more than a mound of earth thrown up by the republican
forces of the Protectorate, for the purpose of erecting a
battery of cannon to demolish the walls of the castle.
The tower, or citadel, stood in a direct line between the
castle and the prison, now a Presbyterian meeting-house,
overlooking the river, and guarding its ford. The adja-
cent mount still retains the name of Tower Hill.

Many other castles formerly existed within the district
under consideration. These, in general, were of inferior
note, and little deserve historic remembrance. There
remains, however, one, which impartiality requires us to
endeavour to rescue from oblivion. It was the opinion of
Camden, that Vortigem terminated his life among the
fastnesses contiguous to the town of Rhaiadrgwy, or
Rhayader. This opinion, controverted by many, the
result of the author's researches, during his progress
through the county, seems in some measure to con-
firm. It is certain that Vortigem, who was Lord of
Erging and Ewias, in Herefordshire, possessed lai^e pro-
perty in the lordship of Moelienydd, if he was not also its
regulus. His Silurian, or British, name was Gwytherin.
Now, there is a spot of ground in the lordship of Gwr-
threinion, so called, it is supposed, after his name, within
the cantref of Moelienydd, and in the parish of Llanbister,
designated by the appellation of Nant Castell Gwytherin,
or the Dingle of the Castle of Vortigem. This dingle is
very lonesome and retired, and is situated near a place
called Arthur's Marsh, not far from the source of the
Prill, Nant Caermenin. In its neighbourhood is a row
of stones, or cairn, called Croes y Noddfa, that is, the
Cross of Refuge. Combining all these circumstances
together, we derive a strong probability that this solitary
spot constituted the last retreat of this traitorous and
wretched king.

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

CHAPTER III.
CITIL HISTORT.

Wales, at the time of its conquest by King Edward I., con-
sisted, partly, of Lordships Marchers, some of nhich were kept
by the King of England in his own hands, and others granted to
English lords, to hold of the Kings of England tn capite ; and,
partly, of lands which the Kings of England had conquered, and
kept in their own hands, as the counties of Caermarthen, Car-
digan, and Flint; and, partly, 6f the territory possessed by the
last Prince thereof, viz., Llewelyn ab Gruffudd, a little before his
death, comprehending the coutities of Merioneth, Caernarvon,
and Anglesey. The Marches were the borders, in which this
county, with others, was included. They were neither part of
the realm of England ; so that when William Rufus granted the
lordships of Moelynaidd and Elfael to R(^r Mortimer, he dis-
posed of property that was not his own; nor were these Marches
governed by English laws, but constituted what is deemed a
solecism in political administration, an imperium in imperio.

With respect to the power and jurisdiction of the Lords
Marchers, they had in their several seigniories all royal rights;
and this enjoyment of royal rights consisted in the following
particulars : — •

L — All writs within the seigniory ran in the name of the lords,
and were contra pacem of the lord.

II. — The Lord Marcher had judgment of life and limb in all
capital and criminal cases; and to this was the power of par-
doning all offences. «

III, — The Lord Marcher had the power of constituting boroughs.

IV. — He had the power of appointing justices of oyer and
tifTmner^

V. — He had a right to hold plea of all actions, real, and
personal, and mixed, within his seigniory.

VI. — The king's writ could not run into the Marches, for they
were no parcel of the realm of England ; nor could the king
intromittere into any of tiiose liberties for the execution of
justice.

These two last heads may be reduced into one, viz., an un-
limited exempt jurisdiction in all causes arising within the
seigniory; in consequence of which the Lords Marcoers had each
of them their own chancery for original writs.

Notwithstanding this exclusire jurisdictioa, there were two

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70 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

sorts of causes wherein the king's courts held plea, though they
arose within the Marches. The first took in all controversies
when the Lord Marcher was a party, either in respect to the
lordship itself, or the boundaries of it. The second comprehended
all such causes wherein it was necessary to write to the bishop,
as quare impedits, and all issues of marriage and bastardy. Id
these cases, an appeal was open to the king and his privy council.

The courts of the Lords Marchers, which were generally holdea
in their castles, consisted of a justiciary, chancellor, seneschal,
mareschal, chamberlain, and constable, all of their own appoint-
ment, and held their authority duTante bene pladto.

Radnor was at first a royal demesne, and consequently an
honour, but subsequently granted to the Lords Marchers. Moel-
ynaidd was a Lordship Marcher, holden originally by Hugh
Mortimer under the King of England in capite, and afterwards,
when a descendant of that family was raised to the throne, it
became a royal inheritance. The other Lordship Marcher in this
district was Elfael, which descended to William de Braos, Lord
of Brecknock and Buallt, by marriage with Bertha, grand-
daughter of Bernard de Newmarche, Roger Clifford, of Clifford
Castle, the Earls of Shrewsbury and Montgomery, were also
Lords Marchers. The clashing rights of so many petty sovereigns
bordering Upon each other, produced infinite tumults and dis-
orders. Their several castles were points of attraction as re-
ceptacles of felons, criminals, and outlaws, the disaffected and
factions subjects of the Welsh Princes, and desperate adventurers,
who fled thither to escape the sword of justice, and who were
made useful in serving the violent and oppressive purposes of
the lords. These neighbouring tyrants sometimes confederated
together, and acted m unison, in extending their mutual en-
croachments, despoiling and destroying the Welsh natives :
sometimes they quarreUed about the division of the spoil, in-
volving all their respective tenants, who also were their vassals,
in the devastating effects of those bloody frays : sometimes they
directed their allied arms against the Princes of Wales, or erected
the standard of rebellion against the sovereigns of England : or
seduced the martial natives to spend their useless valour on the
sands of Ascalon, and in the fields of Cressy. So great, indeed,
was their power, which had often made the Kings of England
tremble upon their throne, that even Edward L, after having
accomplished the conquest of Wales, made no attempt to in-
novate or intrench upon their jurisdiction ; and, though a new
form of government was imposed upon the country, yet the
inhabitants of the Marches were left to all the rigour of their
ibrmer severities.

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRE. 71

By the famous statute of Rhuddlao, 12 Edward I., Wales
was divided into eight counties, — viz., Glamorgan, Caermarthen,
Pembroke, Cardigan, Merioneth, Flint, CaernarTon, and Angle-
sey. The government and jurisdiction of these counties were
framed, in all respects, upon tbe English plan. The justices
were constituted by like commission with the justices in England,
and invested with all jurisdiction as full and extensive, as well in
bank, as in their circuits. The eheriffs bad the same power in
their towns and county courts, and tbe office corresponded in all
respects with the English sheriffalty. They had their chancery
and exchequer answerable to the English, and the methods of
proceeding in all actions, real and personal, were the same,
without any variation, as the methods of proceeding in England,
These courts, in short, were sisters of the courts of England,
and in all respects their equals. The judges in Wales were equal
with those in England ; nor could the former receive any record
sent by tbe latter. Writs of error must come out of Wales into
parhament In tbe eyes of the law, Wales was considered as
an independent kingdom, ruled and ordered by its own laws and
customs. Hence the courts of Westminster assumed no juris-
diction over it ; they could not direct processes to the officers of
the Welsh courts ; they did not hold Wales to be subject to, or
placed within, their jurisdiction; and hereupon ie grounded the
maxim. Quod breve regis non currit in Wattiam. The king's
writs runs not into Wales in all cases whatsoever. And, lastly,
the kind's courts at Westminster exercised no jurisdiction m
these eight shires of Wales, either concurrent or superintendant;
but the king's justices there were equal In dignity and power
with tbe justices of England, and absolutely independent of
them.

Edward I. allowed but two justices of assize for the whole
Principality, one for the northern, and the other for the southern,
division. Fhe shires being divided into seigniories, bad their
courts baron, and courts leet; and the corporate towns bad their
courts of record. Out of all these courts, and also the sheriff's
court and quarter sessions, matters were removable to tbe great
sessions, and not elsewhere, by writ of 'corpus cum causa, cer-
tiorari, recardare, false judgment, or error. To ingratiate himself
with his new subjects, he allowed them, through a, mistaken
policy, to enjoy their liberties, and to hold their estates under
ancient tenures, and to bequeath them under the operation of
gavel-kind. This intermixture of Welsh and English tenure was
the source of vexatious litigation.

By the 29 Elizabeth, all Wales and tbe Marches were com-

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72 HISTORY OP RADNOnSHlRE.

tnitted to the goTemmeDt of a loix^-Iieutenant, who had the
authority to appoint deputy-lieutenants. She also added the
puisne judges.

Of tlie Weleh jurisprudence of Edward 1., the defects were
immediately experienced. It possessed no control over those
petty tyrants of Wales, the Lords Marchers, who were too
powerful to be corrected by the ordinary course of justice.
Their rapacity knew no bounds, and the venality and corruptioa
of the judges were in&mous. Hence it was often found ne-
cessary to have recourse to an extraordinary jurisdiction by the
Lin? himself, who, when the matter was of sufficient importance,
held plea originally, and heard the cause sometimes in parlia-
ment, and sometimes by persons specially commissioned to try
that particular cause. The causes which called for this extra-
ordinary cognizance were generally the riots and tumults occa-
sioned by tnese ovei^rown lords, together with disputes about
jurisdiction, which were generally attended with great disorders.
These weighty causes, alter trials in parliament grew out of use,
came to be determined by the king in council, or by such par-
ticular persons as be assigned for that purpose. And hence arose
the establishment of a new court of law, called

The Council and Pretident of the Marchet of WaUt.

Edward IV., King of England, perceived, with regret, when
be was Earl of Wigmore, and Lord of Moelynaidd, the outrages
committed in the Marches. Gratitude for services he received
from the Welsh in the batde of Mortimer's Cross, and compassion
for tbeir suflferings, prompted him to di^rest and execute a plan
which should put a check to these desulto^ enormities. W ith
this view he instituted a court, which was holden in the castle of
Ludlow, in the county of Salop, in the centre, as it were, of the
Marches of Wales, with all the power, dignity, and splendour of
of royalty. The superior members of this court were, — a lord
president, a vice-president, a chief justice, and council, among
which were the chief justice of Chester, with three other then-
existing justices of Wales, representing its three principahties,
and many of the nobility resident in the several counties bor-
dering upon the Marches. Subordinate officers were, — a cleric of
the council, clerk of the signet, keeper of the castle, gentleman
porter, serjeants-at-arms, messengers, and a variety of othera.

This court was erected, not by Act of Parliament, but by the
king's sole authority. And the end, originally proposed by the
institution, was to keep the Lords Marchers in order, and to

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HISTOEY OP RADNORSHIRE. 73

exercise, as king's vicegerents, his sovereign jurisdiction over
these sturdy subjects. And thus having gotten some footing in
criminal matters, they began presently to enlai^e their bounds,
and thrust themseWes into all civil causes. They therefore soon
superseded the necessity of appealing to the king and privy
council, to whom little or none of the Welsh business was hence-
forth delegated. Most causes, some, perhaps, of the highest
consequence only excepted, were submitted to the cognizance of
the President and Council of the Marches. The judges allowed
them to hold plea in all actions at common law, as debt and
trespass upon the case, under £50, in all causes of equity, and in
all criminal causes. So great was the extent of business in this
court, that more causes were dispatched in a term than in any
court in England — above twenty causes have been moved in an
afternoon. Perhaps, in addition to the reputed equity of its
decisions, the inferiority of the established fees contributed to
increase the multiplicity of its business. For all the motions
and pleadings in one cause, in one term, the retained counsel
received a fee of but five shillings. The superior members of
this court were allowed six shillings and eightpence per day, and
diet for themselves and servants.

As all human institutions in process of time degenerate from
the original rectitude of their proceedings, so it befel this cele-
brated court; which, though at its first outset, and for some
time after, public justice was administered impartially, fell at
length into the commission of those corruptions and abuses
which its establishment was intended to correct. The preamble
to the Act of Parhament enacted for its dissolution, in the first
year of the reign of William and Mary, staled that " the powers
of the Lord President had been much abused, and that the in-
stitution had become a great grievance to the subject. Among
these grievances were the malpractices of the attorneys and in-
ferior officers of the court, -whereby," as the record stated,
"justice had lacked due execution, and the inhabitants had been
sundry ways most grievously vexed and molested, as also by
long delays of suits, and new (fxactions of fees, greatly im-
poverished, so that the court which in the beginning was erected
for the ease and relief of the inhabitants, was become to them,
through such abuses, most grievous and intolerable." The
grievances alluded to may be specified under the following
heads : this court adopted the practice of the Star Chamber,
whereby the members of it became the sole judges of the law,
the« fact, and the penalty; informations were allowed to be re-
ceived instead of indictments, in order to multiply fines and

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74

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

pecuniary penaltiee ; and a set of harpies, under the deDominatjoa
of promoters and relators, equally liated by the good and had,
were encouraged, who by hunting out obsolete penalties, taking
out writs of capias, and using other oppressive devices, con-
tinually harassed the subject, alarming; the quieter sort of people
by processes from London, and robbing the poorer by forced
compositions.

A List of the Lords President of the Court and Council of the
Marches, from the commencement of its Institution to its
Dissolution,

1469. JohD CarpeDter, Bishop of Wot- 1559. Sir John Wi1llaiD», Lord WIlllamB
cester of Tliarae, Oion

a. sir Philip Sidney, KQfglit

7. John Whitgift, Archbishop of

a. Sir I'hiiip Sidney, Knight, M-

EdwanJ, Prince of Wales
William Smith, Bishop of Lincolo
Geoffrey Btyihe, Bishop of Lich-
field and Covfiitry
Joiiu Vesey, Bishop of Exeter
Bon'lund Lee, Bishop of Llcb-

an. Bishop of

r. Henry, Ear! of Pembroke

Richat

), Prince

Hon Bryan

hard, Lord Vanghan, Earl of

I. Henry, Marquis of Worcester

I. Henry SomerMt, Duke of Bedford

^ir John Bridgman, Koight
i. Charles, Earl of Macclesfield

the Gar

1553. Nluhiilas Henth, Archbishop of
York.and Cbancellor of England
Thomas Young, Archbishop of
York

1555. Sir William Herbert, Koighl, re-

1556. Gilbert Urovme, Bishop of Bath

■Dd Weils

It is probable that the use of this court had been (
long prior to its dissolution, by the operation of the statute of 27
Henry V I II., cap. 26, From that time Wales became part of the
realm of England, governed by the laws and statutes of' England,
administered by the king's justices, after the same form and
fashion as is used in the shires of England. Out of the extent
of the Marches were erected five new counties, Radnor, Breck-
nock, Monmouth, Montgomery, and Denbigh. Monmouth wag
afterwards annexed to England. In consequence of this statute,
Wales is incorporated with England, and made paii; of the
realm.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

CHAPTER IV.

TITLES OP BONOUH; A LIST AND SOME ACCOUNT OP THE NORMAN
LORDS OF THIS DISTRICT ; EARLS OF RADNOR ; NAMES OF THE
SHERIFFS ; A LIST OF THE KMOHTS OF THE SHIRE.

In ancient times, the Lords or Earls of Frerllys, that is, the
country lying between the Severn and the Wye, were also Lords
of Moclynaidd. This latter title, together with the patrimony
annexed, was retained by the deecendants of the ancient Reguli
of the district, not only long after the arbitrary and unjust cession
which William Rufus, King of England, made of it to Ralph de
Mortemer, Lord of Wigmore, but almost to the period of the
final subjugation of Wales by Edward L So long did this
district persevere in its resistance to Norman encroachments ; its
last lord of British extraction, viz., Cadwatlon ab Maelgon ab
Cadwallon, having paid the debt of nature in the year 1234.
The title of Lord of Moelynaidd, claimed, indeed, betbre, and
nominally assumed, was then actually devolved upon, and the
territory possessed by, the elder branches of the house of Wig-
more, with whom they remained, with the occasional interruptions
caused by treason and rebellion, till the time in which Edward,
Duke of York, Earl of Marche, and Lord of Moelynaidd, grand-
son of the only surviving heiress of the house of Mortimer, having
finally triumphed over the Lancastrian party, ascended the throne
of England, under the title of Edward IV. Here follows a list
of the Lords of Moelynaidd of the house of Wigmore : —

1087. — Ralph de Mortemer. According to Domesday Book,
he possessed Pilleth, Norton.

1109. — Robert de Mortemer.

1154. — Hugh de Mortemer. He took Rhys ab Hywell

Sisoner, and slew in battle Meyric ab Madoc ab Riryd, and
eredudd ab Madoc ab Idnerth.

1171. — Reginald de Mortemer, who married Gwladus ddu, the
only surviving child and heiress of Llewelyn ab lorwerth. Prince
of North Wales, and in her right was entitled to succeed to the
throne of the Principality,

1263. — Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, and by right of
inheritance Prince of Wales. He married Mawd, daughter of
William de Braos, Earl or Lord of Brecknock, Buallt, Pain's
Castle, Huntington, Radnor, &c. In the year 1242 this Roger
built the castles of Cnwclas and Cefn-y-llys, and also the church of
Presteigne. He Ukewise confirmed to Abbey Cwmhir the grants
of the lands with which Cadwallon, Lord of Moelynudd, its

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76 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

founder, had endowed it; and, in order to ingratiate himself with
the natives, and to overawe their refractory disposition, resided
occasionally in his castle of Cwmaron, in which he is even said
to have been born. In right of his wife he became possessed of
Buallt, Pain's Castle, and Radnor, in the plain of which latter
place, a little below the town, he, together with Hugh de Saye,
Chief Justiciary of Wales, received a signal defeat from Prince
Rhys.

128 1 . — Edmund Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore. He was wounded
in the battle of Buallt by the soldiers of Uie last Prince of Wales,
and died soon after of his wounds in the castle of Wigmore.

1320. — Rower Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore. His immense
estates were all confiscated, and Cantref Moelynaidd became a
royal property.

1357. — Roger Mortimer. This young nobleman was of the
king's body-guard in the battle of Cressy. Edward III., in the
29t& year of his reign, restored him to the Earldom of Marche
and Wigmore, and Lordship of Moelynaidd, and to all his grand-
father's inheritances, honours, and estates, both in England and
Wales. He possessed Radnor, Werthrynion, Cwmydauddwr,
Cefn-y-llys, Pilleth, and Cnwclaa, all in this district, and was one
of the council of nine appointed to direct the business of the
kingdom, during the minority of Richard IL, King of England.
—(1377.)

Edmund Mortimer, Earl of Marche and Wigmore, and Lord
of Moelynaidd, married Philippa, daughter and heiress of Lionel,
Duke of Clarence, second son of King Edward III., in whose
right he was Earl of Ulster in Ireland, and had issue Roger and
Edmund. King Richard II. announced Roger to be his suc-
cessor; the parliament declared him heir to the crown, — (1397,)
and the Duke of Gloucester, his uncle, proposed to give him
immediate possession of the throne of England. This project he
modestly declined. He was soon after made Lord-Lieutenant of
Ireland, where he was slain in a skirmish by the natives.
Edmund was killed in the battle of Pilleth, by Owen Glyndwr-
dwy. — (1402). His nephew, a youth, and heir to the crown, was
also taken prisoner by the Welsh chieftain, whom Henry IV.,
through jealousy of his just claims, detained in honourable custody
fit Wmdsor, and allowed not his name to be once mentioned in
parhament.

Roger Mortimer, Earl of Marche, Ulster, and Wigmore, Lord
of Tnm, Clare, and Connaught in Ireland, and Lord of Moel-
vnaidd in the Marches of Wdes, married Eleanor, daughter and
heiress of Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent, by whom he had issue
Rc^er and Edmund,

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HISTORY OF BADNORSBIRB. 77

Edmund, son of liie above nEtmed Roger, wsa the last Eari of
Marche and Lord of Moelynaidd of the house of Mortimer. He
died without issue, — (]426). But his sist^ Annot who had
espoused Richard Plantageiiet, £ari of Cambridge, transmitted
ber l»^ther's ifflmenae estates, as well as elaim to the crown, to
her son Richard Plaotageoet, l>uke of York. He was slain is
the battle of Wakefie^— (1460,) and succeeded by his sm
Edward, Dake of York, Earl of Marche, and Lord of Moelynaidd,
who, in the following year, renewed the claim made by his fiither
to thetitroDeofEDgUmd, adiieredadecisiTevictoryat Mortimer's
CroBB, in Heretbrdenire, principally by the assistance of his Welsh
rartizana, and was soon atler proclaimed king, under the title of
Edward IV. — (1461). His daughter Elizabeth was married to
King Henry VII,, and thereby became the mother of King
Henry VIII.

We learn from Dtmusdag Book that Radnor was selected by
William I., the con<]ueror of England, to be his ro^al demesne,
and from that circumstance obtained the distinguished title of
BoHotar. How fu it descended among the posterity of that
monarch, or wbelher it was conferred on the perscm of Hugh
Lasue, who, according to the same authority, claimed it under a
promise said to have been made him by William Fitz Osborn, the
great and first Earl of Hereford of the Norman race, is equally
uncertain. It is, bowerer, well known that, during some of the
baronial wars, the town and castle of Radnor were possessed by
Richard, Duke of Ctw-nwall, and King of the Romans. — (1100).

It is, therefore, probable that Richard at that tim« united the
Lordship of Radnor with the Dukedom of Cornwall, an alliance
subsisting in the remotest period. Long, however, before the
time of Richard, there existed Lords of Radnor, If not among the
branches of the royal family of En^aod, yet among the descen-
dante of those who accompanied the Conqueror in his expedition.
For Philip, aliae Peter, de Braos, hariog espoused Bertha,
daughter of Milo, Earl of Hereford, and graiid-dsugfater of
Bernard de Newmarcbe, the conqu^vr of the diree cantrefs of
Brecknockshire, was, in his wifos right, Lord of Breduiock,
Buallt, and Radnor. He had issue WilTiam, Giles, and Reginald.

I. WUliam de Braos was a Lord Marcher of immeaee estates,
and conseqaently possessed great influence and power over the
affiiirs of Wales. Devoid of princ^tle, he joined and deserted
the barons in their wars against King John, ae hie interest pre-
ponderated, and once mortgaged the castles of Brecknock, Hay,
and Radnor to that monarch. Having invited some Welsh
chieftains to an entertaiomeat holden in bis castle of Aber-

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78 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

gavenny, he violated the sacred laws o£ hospitahty, and caused
Uiem to be aBsaBBinated. He possessed, besides vast property in
Brecknockshire, Moamouthsbire, and Sussex, the castles of Col-
^□, Pain's Castle, and Radnor, in this district, and the castle of
untiogton, in HerefordBhire. He married Eva, daughter of
William Marshall, Earl of Pembrolte, who had for her dower the
Lordships of Abeigaveimy, Kin^n, Kadnor, Knighton, &c. He
endeavoured to atone for his numerons iniquities by bequeathing
the tithes of the parish of Llanfihangel-nant-mbelyn, in this
county, to the Knights of St. John in Jerusalem ; but the King
of England, pTovolKed at his atrocities, compelled him to flee
into Ireland, and thence into France, where it is sdd he perished
in great want and misery.

2. His brother Giles was consecrated Bishop of Hereford in
the year 1200 : a great warrior, and who had an active part in

frocuring the Magna Charta. Through his intercession, Pain's
tastie, El&el, Chin, and Knighton, were restored to Walt^
Fycban, son of Eineon Clyd, Lord of Elfael, who was murdered
by the Normans, as he was returning from the splendid enter-
tainment given by his father-in-law. Prince Rhys, in the castie of
Aberteifi, in Cardiganshire. At his death, CKIes left his lai^
possessions to his younger brother Reginald, — (1216,) who mar-
ried Gwladus ddu, daughter of Llewelyn ab lorweriii. Prince of
North Wales. 't\a& noble lady, Burviviog her husband, was
espoused by Reginald Mortimer, Lord of Moelynaidd, who, in
right of his wife, carried out of the family of de Braos a yerv
considerable property in addition to his own. From this period,
the Lords of Moelynaidd became Lords of Radnor.

1276. — Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, espoused a
daughter and co-heiresB of WiUiam de Braos, in the reign of
Edward L He joined Roger de Mortimer ^rainst King Edward
IL— (1321.) ' ^ -s 6.

1361. — Died, William de Bohun, Earl of Northampton, 4:c.,
who, by espousing the widow of Lord Edmund Mortimer, was
Lord of Moelynaidd and Radnor.

1399. — Edmund Staflbrd, Earl of Buckingham, married a
Bohun, who carried the Radnor property into that family.

1460. — ^The Bohun property was divided into two shares ; one
remained in the house of York, and the other was distributed
among the Buckingham tamily.

Earlt of Radnor,
The first Earl of Radnor was John Robarts, Lord Robarts of

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HISTOBT OF RADNORSHIRE. 79

Truro, in the county of Cornwall. He was created in the year
1679, and was succeeded by his graodBon Charles Robarte, in the
year 1685, who, dying in 1723, was succeeded by his nephew
Henry. He died in the year 1741, and the last Earl of Radnor
of this name and fomily was his cousin, John Robarts. The title
being extinct in the year 1757, was restored in Uie person of
William Pleydell Bouverie, who was created Earl of Radnor
September 28, 1766, and. in default of issue, the title of Earl of
Radnor was to descend to the heirs male of his fitther. His
lordship married, January 14, 1748, Harriet, only daughter and
heir of Sir Mark Stuart Pleydell, Bart, who left his estate to his
lordship, directing each person enjoyine the same to use the
name of Pleydell Bouvene. By this lady, he had issue Jacob,
who, on his lather's death, on January 28, 1776, succeeded to
the title, and was the secotul Earl of Radnor of that name. He
was born March 4, 1760, and married, January 23, 1777, Anne,
daughter and co-heir of Anthony Dmicombe, Lord Feversham,
by whom he had issue William, Viscount FolkBtone, who, bom
May U, 1779, married, October 3, 1800, Catherine Pelham
Clinton, only child of Henry, Earl of Lincoln, eldest son of the
second Duke of Newcastle, by whom he has several children.

The family of Bouverie is of ancient and honourable extraction
in the Low Countries. The first of this name that settled in
EEigland was Lawrence des Bouveries, whose grandson William
was created a baronet by Queen Anne, February 19, 1714,
whose second son. Sir Jacob, having succeeded to the baronetage,
changed his name by Act of Pariiament from Des Bouveries to
Bouverie, and was by George IL, June 29, 1747, created Lord
Longford, Baron Longford, and Viscount Folkstone. He married
Mary, daughter and heir of BariJiolomew Clarke, Esq., of North-
amptonshire, by whom he had William Pleydell, the first Earl of
Radnor of that name.

A List of Sherifft.
HaiTBT Vlll. Hart.

1544. JohD Baker, Pretf^gm 1&S3. Oriffith Jonea, Trswera

164fi. Junes Tan^hBD, Hargeat 1AM. Edward Price, Knightciti

IM6. Joha Bradahav, Prsstcdgne 15Gfi. Sir Adam Hillon, Salop •

„ „, 1fifi6. John Bradabftw, Pi-eatelgne

Edward VI. ijjgj p^^ i_lojd, BouMbrook
1U7. Biehard BUck, Naw Radnor

1648. Peter Llojd, BonlHtrook Klizabbth.

1648. Bhya Qwillini, Aboredw 1668. John Bradahaw, Prestcigno

1650, Sir Adam Milton, Salop 1659. Stephen Price, Pilletb

1651. Thomas Lewie, Harpton 1660. Evan LeTia, Gladeetry
1663. Janice Price, Honachto 1661. Jobn KnUl, Knill

Digilzed by Google

I. Sir BotMrt Vbltny, WUtnef

t. HoTgMi Meredith, LlTnwent

I. John Prioe, If ODMhta

S. Bran LewK GhkleMr;

9. Robert Tixiffima, WlDforton

7. Qrifflth Jonei, Udwh

t. Joha Bradihsw, Pnrtcdgne

9. Bdwaid Priw. KaiRhton

a. Lawli Uo^d, Boolttlwaok

1619.
1620.
1031.

1678.
IS7S.
1674.
1676.
167a
1677.
1678.

1S86.
1687.
1686.

16B3.
1604.
1696.
1606.

1003.
1004.
1606.

1610.
1611.
1613.
1613.
1614.
1616.
1616.
1617.

David LloTd Hraedlth, Hantmel
mlHsm Levin, Null
Jamee Price, Honuhtn
Edward Price, Knighton
John Price, Honaefata
John Price, PiUMh
Etoh Lewis, Gladeattj
Hugh Dojd, BettwH
Bogar Ttngbao, CItto
Lewis Llo;d, BonltibNwfc
Hhyi Lewli, GUdeatry
Thomas Wigmore, Shobdon
BTBn Lewh, QUdeitrr
Hergaa Henditb, Lljnwent
Thomu Hanker, Lndlow
Lewis Llo;d, Boultibrook
John WeaTer, SlepletMi
John Bndsbaw, Prtatelgne
Bdwsrd Price, Knighton
Hogh Llojd, Bettws
Evan Lewis, Glade«tf7
Petar Lloyd, Btoeking
Thomas Prioe, KnighloD
Hnmphre; Cornew&ll, Btanage
Bdmnnd Tlnealle;, Presteigne
ClenuDt Price, Coedgi^an
Thomas Wlgmore, ShoMon
Jamea Price, HonachlQ
Hichard Fowler, Abbe? Cwmhtr
Jamea Prioe, Pllletb
Lewii Llo;d, Bonltil»ook

Edward Winston, Preatelgne

John Brndshaw, Presteigne

Hnmphrej Comewall, Berrington

Etui Vaughan, Bugalldo

John Townabend, Ludlow

— Whitney, Whitney

Sir Robert Harley, Brampton

John Taughan, Einneraley

Hugh Lewie,

Thomaa Powell, Cwmydanddwr

Jtuoes Price, Pilleth

John Lloyd, B«ttw»

Richard Fowler, Abbey Cwmhtr

Robert Whitney, Whitney

Richard Jonea, Treweru

Ezekiel Beesliwe, Walton

Bannel Pari^r, Lndlow
Hogb Lewis, Barpton
Hmnpturey Comewall, Brampton
Allen Ciurard, Preataigne
Thomas Rhys, Dlasarth
John Bead, Presteigne

CBAXI.Be I.

Hompbrey Wsloot, Walcot
Richard Fowler,
Etbu Tangbao, Bngaildo
Rntwrt Weaver, Aylmstry
Griffith Jooee, Preetelgne
Winiam Yaugban, Llowee
John Ifaddoeke,
Jamea PhiUpps, Llan
Bodaric Gwynna, Llanelwedd
BIchaid Bodd, Bodd
NleholM Meredltfa, PresMgne
Morgan Taoi^iBn, Bogaildn
Morris Lewis, Stones
Bran Davies, Llanddewi
BrisB Crowlber, Knighton
Bobert Wllliama, Caebalfit
John Powell, Stanage
WlllUm Latchard, Bettwe
Hu^ Uoyd, Caerl^
Hu^ Uoyd, Caer&ga
Briui Crowther, Koightoil
Thomas Weaver, Aylmstry
Robert Martin, New Radnw
Robert Harttn, Jun., New Badnor

IXTBBRBSNirM.

a. Henry Tnillana, Cad>al&
X Nlcliolas Taylor, Prcetelgne
I, John Danzey, Gladeatry
i. John Win,

OUTBB CnOMVBLL.

3. John Walsham, EnUl

I. Samoet Powell, Stanage

S. Bichaid Fowler, Abbey Cwmhtr

i. John Davies, Monaehtn

1. James Price, Pilleth

BiCBASIl Cbohwbll.

Charles II.
Even Daviee, Llanddewi
John Walcot, Walcot
— Lewis, Hittdwdl
Henry WUItans, Caebalb
Thomas Bagleelone, Presteigne
Nicholas Taylor, Heath
Bobert Martin, New Radnor
Andrew PhiUppa, Llanddewi

Digilzed by Google

HIBTORY OT RADKOBSBIRB.

1666. EaAM BetHaoa, Vftlton
1609. Boger Stepbeu, Komtia
167a 3«ha WaldMDl, EulU
1671. John lUcbaidB, Brai^obb
1673. Edward DartM, LlMKldtwi

1673. Jamm Lloyd, KlngUlt

1674. William WUtcoinbt, Loedon

1676. William Probatt, LUoddewl
ie?6. Robert Cattbr, Fairlnittan

1677. Richard Taughaii, Moomontb

1678. Hugh Powell, Cwmellau
167fi. Tbomaa Taagbao, Bngailda

1680. Heer; Probwt, IJowea

1681. Heiii7 UatbewB, Lantwardlne

1685. Evan Powell, LlanblBter

1683. Tbomas Lewis, Harptoa

1684. John Daviee, Coedglanon

1686. Samnel Powell, Stanaga
1686. Henrj' Dati«e, Oraig
10B7. William Tajlor, Horton

1688. Nicbolu Ti^lor, Heath

WlLUAH III.

1689. Richard Tughu, Clyra
169U. John Fowler, Bron-y-die
1691. William Probart, Llanddewl

1682. Thoi ~ " - ■--

1699. Hogh Lewie.'H[nd«
1694. Robert Cnttler, Street
1696. Thomas Lawia, Nantgwyllt

1096. William Polder, Gralnge

1097. Thomaa Lewis, Barpton

1098. Thomai WilllMna, Caebslb

1099. Walter DbtIm, Ludlow

1700. Edward Price, Bonltlbraok

1701. John Wftddehor, Henford

Annx.
1703. John Read, Hontgomei?

1703. — Pflee, Preitelgne

1704, UoTgan VanghaD, Bng»Uda
170fi. Darid Morgan, CMdglawoQ

1706. Edward Howarth, CMbalh

1707. Adam Price, BoulUbrook

1708. Hash GoDgh, Enighten

1709. William Chaae, London

1710. Charlea Hanioer, Llanddewl

1711. Charles Waleot, Walcot

1715. Jonaa Stephana, Baaabrook

1713. Roger Tonman, Tron

Gboksb I.

1714. Walter Price, CefhbwU

17Ifi. Edward Fowler, Abbe; Cwmhtr

1716. John Clarke, Ulalddfa

1717. John Hilea, Eraijobb

1718. Uanuddnke Qw;nne, Qarth

u, Bogalldn
indwell

t7il.
173S.
1793.
17S4.
1725.
1726.
1737.

1T3S.
17S9.
1730.
1731.
1733.
1733.
1734.
1736.
1736.
1737.
1738.
1739.
1740.
1741.
1743.
1743.
1744.
174ft.
1740.
1747.
1748.
1749.
iJSO.
I7S1.
17S3.
1763.
1764.
17S6.
1766.
1767.
1768.
1760.
1760.

Hogh Powell, CwmellM
Fletdwr Powell, Dowatoa
Nidudaa Taylor, Heath
Cbarlaa Hanmer, Llaoddewt
Gika Whitehall, Hoor
Hngb Uorgan, fiettwa
Folliot Powell, Stance
Edward BnrfaNi, Vronlfta
Edward Shipmui, Bngailda

Gaoxan IT.
Henry William*, SkynUa
Harfiird Jcmes, Kington
John Tyler, Dllwyn
Btepbeo Hvris, Bearinook
Thomas Holland, Llannmllo
ThomM Gronou*, London
Matthew Davles, PrMtdgna
John Clarke, Blalddik
John WlUiama, BkratD
John Jonea. Trevannon
Sir Robert Comewall, BarringtMi
Henry Howarth, CaebBl&
Uansd Powell, Yerdisley
Edward Price, BonlUbrook
Thomas Hngbee, Qladeatry
Peter lUckudi, Evaqjobb
William Wynter, Bracon
William Ball, Elngto
Henry Williams, Bin
John PattedMU, Pnd
John Warlar, Kington
Morgan Erana, Llanbarrhyd
Hngh Gongh, Knighton
Prudt Walker, Ttmyhall
Thomas Tangban, Bngalldn
Riefaard Llojrd, Llanbadom l^ydd
John Bldiop, Oladeatry
William Qo— , EIngwood
John Lewia, Preeleigne
John ETana, Cwmydaoddwr
Daniel Daviea, Llanbadam fiiwr

1761.
1763.
17S3.
1764.
1766.
1766.
1767.
1768.
1769.
1770.
1771.
1773.
1773.

John Dayj

Oborob IIL
John Evans, Llanbarrhyd
Evan Tanghan, Llwynmadoc
James Williams, Tniwlej
James Broom, Bwlthington
Sir Hans Fowler, Abbe; Cwmhtr
Samuel Bevan, Newchnrch
Sic John Meredith, Brecon
John Tmmper, Hichaslchareh
Jamea Watkina, CUilbrd
Marmadnka Gw^nme, Gartli
Charlee Oore, l^-biiDor
William Whltcombe, Clyro
Bernard HoUand, Llanbister

Digilzed by Google

HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRB.

1774. Wttlter WilUiu, MaMlongb

1775. John Qrlffithg, EInglon
I77& Richard DiileB, Uanatepbsn
1777. William Powell, Uanwrtiiwl
177S. Hftrfbrd Joi>«8, PrettdgM

1779. Jonathan Fleld,LlaabMbin<^7ad
1760. Thamx Cook, Lndlow
1781. Jonathan Bowan, Knighton
1783. Thomas Beran, Skynl&i
1783. Thoma* Prioa, CUwwm

', Hlehaelcbnrch
Clyro

1786. BrldKWBtor ifereditti, Clyro

1787. John PtIm, Ptoybont

1788. BeU Lloyd, BoolUbrook

1789. Thonu* Diqipa,
1700. FrendB Gaitwtt, KolU
1797. PBRdyal Lewii, DowntMi
1803. H. H. T. Owynoe, Lluelwedd

A Lift tjf Mewheri of Parliament for the County of Badnor.

1660. Sir Richard Lloyd

1661. Sir Richard Lloyd
167B. Rowland Gwynne, Biq.
1681. Rowland Qwynne, E«q.

Jakes II.
1666. RIohaid WUItauu, Esq.
1688. Sli Rowland Gwynne
William III.
1690. John Jefibiiea, Eh].
1696. John JeffeHee, Esq.
1608. Thomas Barley, Esq.
1701. Thomu HbtIb;, Esq.

1703. Thomas Hwley, Esq,
170fi. Thomas Harlsy, Ban.
1708. Thomas Harley, Esq.
1710. Thomas Harley, Esq.
1713. Thomas Harl^, Esq.

Obosqi II.
1797. Bir Unmphniy Howarth
1734. Blr Hnmphray Howaitb
1741. Sir Hnmphray Howarth
1747. Blr Humphrey Howarth
I7&4. Blr Humphrey Howarth

Qbobob III.
1761. Lord CoemarTan
1768. Chase Price, Emj.
1774. Chase Price, Esq,
17B0. Thomas Johnea, Esq.
1784. Thomas Johnea, Eh],
1790. Thomas Johne^ Esq.
1796. Waltet Wilkios, Esq.
1802. Walter WUtlns, Esq.
1807. Walter Wllkins, Esq.
1813. Walter WUldns, Beq.
lete. Walter WUkios, Esq.

Digilzed by Google

HISTOnV OF RADNORSHIRE.

Supplemental IMt of Radnorshire Sherifft to tupplr/ defieienciet it
previout List. — By John Joneb, Esq., of Cejnfaa.

1791. Tbomu Jodm, Beq., Veaeeirl^
1793. JohD Lewis, Esq., Hupton Court
1793. WllllBm Symondi, Eiq., U.D.,

1794. Rlcbsrd Price, Esq., Kniglitoa

1795. Francis Ftnrke, B»q., Llanatephan

1796. John Prltchard, &q., Doljftlln

1797. ParciTal Lewis, Esq., Damloii

1798. Jofaa Bena Wilsli, Bsq., Celhllfs

1799. John BodenhBin, Esq., Gtoto
leOO. Jamn Lloyd Harris, Esq., Kington
1801. Hu([h Powell Bvsai, Esq., Noradd

1803. John Slierbanie,BBq.,LlaDdriDdod
IB03. HarmtdukeThoe. Howell Owynne,

JBsq., Llanelwedd

1804. Tbomas FnokUnd Lewis, Esq.,

1605. Cfaarles Rogen, Esq., Stamge
1S06. Thomai8tspbeaB,Esq.,KiDQertoD
1807. Edward Burton, Ew]., Llanlilster
IS06. Thomai Tfiomai, Esq., Peocerr^

1809. John WUttaker, Esq., Cascob

1810. aeo.CrawfordBleketta,E8q.,Cwm

1811. Joba Cheeaement Severn, Esq.,

Michael chnrcb
1813. TbomasQroT«,Janr.,Eaq.,Cwm-

1813.

1817.
1818.
1810.

Danisl Reid, Esq., Comet
Charles HumpbreTS Pr<c«, Baq.,

Knighton
William Davles, Esq., Caeba1&
Sir Harford Jooes Brydges, Bart.,

Boultlbrooke
Penr? Powell, Esq., Penllan
Hugh Stephens, Esq., Cascob
Mo^an John Erans, Esq., Llwyn-

barried
Jaraee Cnimmer,Bsq., Howey Hall
Robert Peel, Esq., Cwmelan
Pater Rd. Hynon, Em]., Evancoed
John Hagh Powell, ^., Cllro
Ungfa Yangban, Esq. , Llwynmadoc
Sir John Benn Walah, Bart.,

CeAilleeea

1886. James Watt, Emj., Doldowlod

1887. Bannel Beevan, Esq., Olfucomb
1828. DSTid Thomas, Esq., Wellfleld
18Se. John Uorri^ Esq., Kington
IBSO. Robert Bell Price, Esq., Down-

Thomas Dnppa, Etq., Longuorina
Thomu Evans, Esq., Llwyubarrlsd
Walter Wilkins, Esq., HaeeUwch
Gay Parsons, Esq., Preitolgne
Thomas Williams, Esq., Cronfoot
James WUltani Uomm, Esq.,

Glasbary
Hans Biuk, Esq., Ifantmel
Sir John Dotton Colt, Barb,

Henry Liagen, Esq., Penlanole
Edw. RogOTB, Esq., Stanase Parkj
Edward Breeie, Esq., Knightoa
David Oliver, Esq., Rhydoldog
Edward David Thontat, 'On.,

Wellfleld
David James, Bmj., PretldgM
Jamei Daviee, Esq., Moor Conit
Thomas Prickard, Biq., Ddertr
Henry UUee, Esq., Downfl«ld
John Edwards, Esq., Brampton

Edward Uyddlelon Evans, Esq.,

Llwynban4ed
Edward Honcan Stephens, Esq.,

I8Gl.AfplnalI Phillips, Esq., Abbey

Cwm Htr
1853. Sir Barfbrd Jaraee Jones Brydges,

Bart., Boaltlbrooke

1853. Jonathan Field, Esq., Eigjfr-

dmlnllwyn

1854. John Jones, Esq., Cebfees
1856. John Abraham Wbittakar, Esq.,

Hewcastle Coart
1806. Robert Baskervllie Uynors, Esq.,

Evancoed
1867. Francli Bielyn, Esq., Corton

Xtrt of Members returned for the County and Borough of Radnor
from the Union rvith ScoOand. — By 3. Jokes, Esq,

Sttibnu BadnoT Coanty.

1707. Thomas Harley, Esq.

1708. Thomas Harley, Esq.
1710. Tbomas Harley, Esq.

1716. Sir Richard Fowler, Bart.
1733. Sir Homphrey Howarth, Enlght
1797. Sir Hnmphrey Howarth, Knight

Badnor Bonrnghi,
Robert Harley, Esq.
Robert Harley, Esq.
Robert Harley, Esq.
Edward Lord Harley
Thomas Lewie, Esq.
Thomas Lewis, Baq.
Thomas Lewis, Esq.

Digilzed by Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

173i. Sir Hnmphrer Howartb, Knigbt Tbomu Lewb, Esq.

1741. Sir Hnmpbrer Honartb, Kalgbt Thomas Lewis, Esq.

1717. Sir Humpbre; Honartb, Knight Thomas Lewis, Esq.

1764. SlrHumphrGyHowartb, Knight. On Thomas LewlB, Esq.

his death a new writ ordered,

Fehrnar; 19, 17fi6, and Hovell

Gwyone, Jaiir., Esq., Lord-Iieu-

tenint of the Coonty, was retamad
1763. James, Harqula of Caernarvon, oulf

Bon of the Duke of Chandos

1768. Chas* Price, Btq.

1774. Chue Price, Eaq., on bis death a new
writ was isBoed in Jnly, 1777, and
Thomas Johnw, Senr., Esq., Lord-
Lieatenant of GlaTaorganshire, was
elected. Co his death a new writ
waa ordered In June, 1780; and
Thomas Johnee, Esq., son of tbe
late meinber waa elected. He was
made R«celrer - General of tbe
Cnstoms of Wales, and was re-
elected Ma;, 1781.

1780. ThomM Joboee, Eqs.

1796. Waller WUkina, Biq.

1801.

leos.
iBoe.

1B07.

leis.

leia.

Walter Wilklns, Esq.

Walter Wilkhis, Eaq.

Walter Witkins, Esq.

Walter WUkins, Esq.

Waller Wllkins, £«q.

Walter Wltklni, Esq.

Walter Wilkina, Esq.
Walter Wilkina, Esq.
On death of W. Wilkina, Thomii

FrBnklaod Lewis was returaed.
Thomas Frankland Lewis, Baq.
Right Hon. Tbos. Frankland Lewis.
Blgbt Bod, ThoB. Frankland Lewis re-

Edward Lewis, Esq.
Thomas Lewis, £sq.
A doable retam. Mr. Edward Lewis

did not defend his seat, and hii

name was erased &om the lotDm.
John Lewis, Esq., of Harpton Coort
Edward Lewis, Esq., of Downton
Edward Lewis, Esq., p^Uoned, and

tbe House declared that be was

dni; elected
John Lewis, Esq., of Harpton Conrt
Edward Lewis, Esq.
Edward Lewis, Esq., petitioned, and

was declared duly elected

Edward Lewis, Esq., of Downton
John Lewis, Esq., of Harpton Court
Edward Lewis, Esq., petitioned, and

was declared duly elected
Edward Lewis, Esq.
David ttamj, Esq., brother to Lord
Elibank. Upon bis death a new writ
was Issued In Ha;, 1704, and Qeorge
TlscoDnt Haldol, eldest son of tbe
Earl of Easex, was elected
George Tlsconnt Haldan. On Ui
(Dcceeding his father as Earl of
Essex, a new writ waa ordered
March, 1799, and Richard Prioa,

Richard Price, Esq.
Biehard Price, Esq.
Richard Price, Esq.
Richard Price, Esq.
Richard Priee, Esq.
Richard Price, Esq.
Richard Price, Esq.
Richard Price, Baq.

Digilzed by Google

HISTOBY OF EADHORSUIBB. 86

Uiu, Eaq., gnuduii of Waltor Wll-

klns, tbe former member.
1635. Walter Wllkina, Esq. Slelitrd Price, Biq. '

1837. Walter Wllkliu, Esq. Biohanl PriM, Baq.

1840. On the death of Walter WillilDB, Esq.,

Sir John Benn Walih Bart, nic-

18(1. Sir John Bean Walsh, Bart lUcIitrd Price, Bcq.

1847. Sir John Bean Walah, Bart Bight Hon. Sir TlumiaB ninklud

Lewis, Bart.
Right Hod. Sir T. F. Lewla, Bart
Bight Hon. Sir T. F. Lenl*, Bart,
died, who was aoeceeded bi hla aon
SirOeerge Comewall Leww, Bart,
and, on fala tieing appointed Cliao>
cellor of the Exchequer, wi» again
returned.

1867. Sir John Bain Wal«h, Bart

CHAPTEB V.
HUNDBBDS; PARISH B8 J UARKETl^WNS.

Radnorshire contains six hundreds, and fifty-two
parishes, including one capital borough, viz., New Radnor ;
with four auxiliary boroughs, viz., Knighton, CnwclSs,
Cefn-y-Uys, and Rhayader; and four market towns, viz.,
Presteigne, Radnor, Rhayader, and Knighton.

I. — Radnor hundred contains eight parishes, including
one capital borough and two market towns, — 1. Cascob;
2. Colfa; 3. Disc^; 4. Qladestry; 5. Llanfihangel Nant
Moelyn; 6. New Radnor; 7. Old Radnor; S.Presteigne.

II. — Pain's Castle hundred contains thirteen parishes,
— 1. Bettws Clyro; 2. Boughrood; 3. Bryngwyn; 4.
Cl&sbury; 5. Clyro; 6. Llanbedr; 7. Llanddewi ffich ; 8.
Llandeilo Oraban ; 9. Llanstephan; 10. Llowes; 11.
Mtchaelchurch ; 12. Newcburch ; 13. Pains Castle.

III. — Knighton hundred contains nine parishes, in-
cluding two contributory boroughs and one market town,
— 1. Bugaildu ; 2. Heyop; 3. Knighton; 4. Llanaono;

Digilzed by Google

86 HISTORY OF BADIV0R6HtEB.

5. Llanbadarn fjraydd; 6. Llanbiater; 7. Llaaddewi ystrad
ennau; 8. CnwclSis; 9. Stanage.

IV. — Cefn-y-Uys hundred contains nine parishee, in-
cluding one contributory borough, — 1. Blaiddia; 2.
Cefii-y-llys; 3. Llanbadarn fanr; 4. Llandegla; 5 Uan-
fihangel rhyd leithon ; 6. Uangunllo ; 7. Llan-y-drindod;
8. Pilleth; 9. Whitton.

V. — Colwyn hundred contains ten parishes, — 1. Aber-
eddw ; 2. Bettws Dyserth ; 3. Clas Cwm ; 4. Cregrina ;
5. Diserth; 6. Llanbadarn-y-caireg; 7. IJanelwedd ; 8.
Llaniaredd; 9. Llansantfraidd; 10. Rhulen.

VI. — Rhaiadrgwy hundred contains six parishes, in-
cluding one contributory borough and one market town,
— 1. Cwmdauddwr; 2. Llan Hir; 3. lianfihangel Hely-
gen; 4. Nantmel; 6. Rhaiadrgwy ; 6. Sant Harmon.

The amount of the population of this district during
the Sazou heptarchy, or when subject to the dominion of
the Lords Marchers, is a point of as much uncertainty as
it was in the time of the Silures. The wars which the
inhabitants of this district, in common with the rest of
their countrymen, so long maintained for national freedom
and independence, and the contests which raged among
themselves, must have tended to diminish their numbers,
and to impoverish and devastate their country. The
oppressions of the Lords Marchers, and the unexampled
severities and cruelties of the edicts of Henry IV., enforced
with peculiar rigour on this district, likewise contributed
to produce the same deleterious effects. That torpid spirit
of indifference which these desolating and exterminating
calamities never fail to introduce, has extended and
diffused its baneful influence to a recent period, mani-
festing its paralyzing genius by the stagnation of agri-
cultural pursuits, a suspension of commercial activity,
and a necessitous migration. In proportion as the spirit
of the people has revived by the consciousness of being
subject to equal and protecting laws, by the assurance of
domestic tranquillity, by the security of life and property,
and by the encouragement holden to laborious industry,
so have their numbers increased, their comforts enlarged,

Diqiized by Google

H18TOBT OF RADNORSHIRE.

and their prosperity augmented. And it appears, irom
an inspection of the parliamentary census, that the popu-
lation of the county of Radnor has for some years been
in a progressive state of increase, — that in the year 1801
it amounted to the number of 19,700; in 1811 to21,600;
thus receiving in the course of ten years an accession of
almost 2000 persons.

Cantref Moelywiidd ; Extent and PriviUget ; StemartU; Borough*;
mode of making Burgenet.
In the historical description of the county of Radnor,
Cantref Moelynaidd constitutes a prominent and prin-
cipal figure. We have therefore devoted a whole section
to the consideration of this important article. This an-
cient and extensive territory vas possessed and governed
by its successive reguli, oi^ chieftains, the Lords of Fferr-
llys and Moelynaidd, some of whom were Kings of all
Britain, many Dukes and Earls of Cornwall, and all of
noble blood and regal descent. A bar was put to this
long chain of succession by William II., the red-haired
King of England, who was very liberal of what had
cost him nothing, and bestowed upon his favourites a
property that was not his own, and which he had not the
courage himself to seize and usurp. By virtue of a
grant of unparalleled injustice, this extensive lordship,
or manor paramount, of Cantref Moelynaidd, was con-
ferred, by uiis arbitrary monarch, on Ralph de Mortimer,
a relative and follower of the illegitimate conqueror of
England, on the terms of military or feudal teniire ; the
Lord of Wigmore holding in capite under the king, and
the inhabitants under his lordship, who covenanted to
bridle the country with castles, and to maintain in each
a certain contingency of soldiers ready for the royal
service. The conquest of the territory, however, was
not so easy to be accomplished, as the signing and sealing
of the grant. This nobleman and his successors found
it a work of danger and difficulty. They met with a
violent opposition from the native princes, who struggled
long and hard for independence, and did not finally
submit, after many reverses of fortune, till the entire

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88 HISTORY OF HADNORSBIRB.

conqueBt of Wales was effected by King Edward I., who
confirmed the grant of Moelynaidd to Roger Mortimer,
Earl of Wigmore. During the minority of Edward III.,
this extensive lordship, or manor paramount, was by the
treason of its lord, the paramour of Queen Isabella, and
chief minister of the English court, escheated to the
crown, and became its property. In the latter years of
the same reign, the forfeited estates of Mortimer, and
among the rest Cantref Moelynaidd, were restored to the
house of Wigmore. From this period, and indeed some
years antecedent to it, courts of justice, or rather of in-
justice, were established in its several castles, investing
the Lord Marcher with jura regalia, and a power over
the life and death of his numerous vassals. At length
the male line of the family of Mortimer became extinct,
and by the marri^^e of Anne, the sole heiress of this
immense property, with Richard, Duke of York, whose
son ascended the throne of England under the title of
Edward IV., the paramount lordship of Cantref Moely-
naidd once more reverted to the crown, and has ever
since, with the short interruption of a year, continued to
form a part of its inheritance.

This territory anciently comprised a hundred town-
ships, and extended into Montgomeryshire, including the
parish of Cerri, Mochtre, &c. At present it comprehends
four hundreds of the county of Radnor, viz., Rhayader,
Cefa-y-llys, Knighton, and Radnor; and twelve mesne
manors, viz., Presteigne, alias Presthend, Knighton,
Swydd-wynogion, Swydd-rhiw-ar-allt, Gladestry, alias
Glandestre, Cnwclas, Swydd-y-gre, alias Ugree, alias
Treyllan, Uchcoed, Rhustlin, alias Rissuli, a/tos RhosUyn,
Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, Iscoed Sant Harmon, with the
comot of Werthrynion. Over these the manor para-
mount of Cantref Moelynaidd possesses a supremacy to
the present day, with, however, the exception only of the
borough of New Radnor, the territory of which is com-
paratively small. The boroughs of Knighton, Cnwclas,
and Rhayader, together with the constablewick of ColfS.
and Gladestry, which brings it almost in contact with

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRE. 89

the town of Kington, are comprehended in its wide extent.
The following table contains the names of its manors,
townships, and parishes : —

StanoTl. TowiaMpi and Parithei.

1. Prastelfpie, aUat Pnar dMInct wards, vis,. Broad Street, High Sli«eC,

Pnsthend. Hereford Street, St nsvld's Street, DiBcoed.

9, Knlghlon. CwmgwilU, FuringtoD, Jeuklnhalea, KniichtoD boroagb.

3. HvrjiA-wjaof^ma. Llaobadam fawr, Cefii-y-ll;B, (widi the exception of

the borough, Llan-j-drliidod,) Cralgin Llend^le,
Cafd-panl, Uanddewl jitrad ennan, LlanbfBter, part
of.

4. SwTdd-rhlw-ar-allb Whltton,P{lIeth,IJuigan11o, Llanfihangelrhydieitbon,

T^Uan In Llandegla, put of.

5. OladBBtreiUliiMQlaii- Glade«b7, Cola, Walairea, Hengoed.

deatre

6. CniTcl&a.

7 . RboslljD, dUai Rnat-

Ua, allaa Ri»nll,

8. Swj'dd-f-gTe, aliat

Ugree, aliat Tray- „ , „ ,

Utui. reg, Llanaiuio, Uanbiidani fynydd, Peanant, ba-

gsildii, Madwallsd, OoIod, Bronllya, Treyllan in

LtanddewL

9. Uwcbcoed. Uwcbcoed In Maotmel, Tajaor, Gaateddln fawr, Coed-

glasaon, Ta Saat Harmon.

10. Cwmdaaddwr. DjflVya Girj, DjfiVyn Elan.

11. RbaTBdv. iUkayader borough, Nantmal, MaMgwyn, Gmstedditi
&WT, Tajnor, Coedglaaaon.

It does not appear, from existing documents, that the
crown in remote periods invariably observed the custom
of appointing deputies, or stewards, for the purpose of
collecting and receiving the rents and emoluments of this
lordship. These rents, however, were faithfully paid into
the royal treasury, and regularly accounted for to the
king by his ministers. For though Sir John Doddridge,
in his ancient history of the Principality of Wales, asserts
that no charter or document can be found, whereby the
revenues of the Principality were conferred upon the Lady,
afterwards Queen, Elizabeth ; yet in her reign, as well as
in the reigns of her predecessors, the receivers, or, as
they are termed, the ministers of the crown, appear to
have accounted for the produce and profits of the different
manors within this lordship, or paramount manor. And
in the parliamentary survey made in the year 1649, which
is deposited amongst the records of the Augmentation
Office, they are completely and particularly specified.

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90 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Id the sixth year of the reign of the unfortunate King
Charles I., we hnd this extensive lordship granted (infer
alia) to Charles Harbord, William Scriven, and Philip
Oden, in fee. This triumvirate, in the following year,
traDsfeired, or sold, their interest to Sir William and Sir
George Whitmore, who exercised their authority with all
the rigour and rapacity of fanners-general. Neither
this disgraceful act of venality, nor the consequent abuse
of power, incurred the animadversion of the negligent
ministers of those days. But so intolerable was the op-
pression practised upon the inhabitants, that they were
induced to resort to a most extraordinary expedient for
liberating themselves Irom lawless extortion and tyranny.
Having by voluntary subscriptions among themselves
collected a sum of money amounting to £741 128. —
great riches in those days — tbey made a loyal tender of
It to the king, accompanied with a detail of their
grievances, and also a humble petition, that the crown
would be graciously pleased to re-purchase with this
money the said lordship or manor paramount of Moely-
naidd, " ^t they might (to use their own language)
become again the tenants of the Kings of England."
'This singular transaction, proving at once the existing
poverty of the royal exchequer, and that the adminis-
tration of Charles was not that arbitrary thing which
some historians represent it to have been, took place in
the ninth year of the same reign. The receipt for the
said sum is expressed in the following words, viz. : —

" 28th day of August, in the moth year of the reiga of King
Charles I., paid by the tenants of Gladestry, Moelynaidd, and
others, the sum of £741 12b., who themselves of their own free
will have brought and given to the lord the king, with the
intention that the same lord the king should re-assume the said
lordehips, of late alienated, for a royal estate, and that they
themselves might conUnue tenants of the Kings of England, as
they formerly liad been, by the hands of Charles Price, Gent,
collector thereof."

In consequence of the payment of this sum, the king
re-purchased the said lordship of those to whom he had

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHiaE. 91

lately sold, and a conBrmation of their ancient rights
and liberties was granted to the inhabitants in return ;
and this lordship, thus re-purchased, was secured by
letters patent issued under the great seal of England,
together with his royal assurstnce that this confirmed
grant should never again be revoked, but suffered to
descend undiminished to their latest posterity ; and this
lordship, thus re- purchased, seems to have ever since
continued to constitute a part of the crown revenue.

Notwithstanding this transaction, so honourable in all
respects, as well to the king as to his tenants the in-
habitants of Cantref Moelynaidd, yet we find, in no long
time after, the principles of his ministers to have been so
depraved as to listen to a petition of Thomas Harley,
Esq., for a lease to be granted to him of a considerable
part of these premises, and, among other things, of the
cottages built thereon, together with the liberty of in-
closing, and adding four acres of the wastes to each
cottage. The inhabitants, taking alarm at this apparent
violation of their late contract with the king, and appre-
hending that such a lease, if carried into effect, would
eventually render void and useless the reinstatement of
themselves and their posterity within the pale of the
royal tenantry, lost no time in opposing the execution of
this design, dispersed copies of the king's confirmation of
their rights and liberties, and presented a strong petition
to his majesty, reminding him of his sacred promise
never again to alienate this his royal patrimony, so re-
cently re-purchased for him with the money of his tenants,
representing the great detriment and damage that would
result to them from the operation of such a lease, if
granted, whilst no additional benefit would be received
by himself, and concluding with a humble prayer that
no such lease be granted, but that they might be suffered
to remain in the unmolested possession and enjoyment of
their ancient rights and privileges.

The privy council were staggered at the firmness
manifested by the petitioners ; and, in order to gain time,
proposed that each party should be heard in support of

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRE.

their respective pretensions. On the part of Mr. Harley,
it was urged that the royal revenue would be more easily
collected, and more punctually received, by the respoosi-
bility of one person than of many ; that these cottagers,
having four acres of land annexed in addition to each
cottage, would thereby acquire a stake in the country,
and consequently become more peaceable, industrious,
and loyal ; that the allegations of the petitioners were
more specious than solid, and rather the effect of envy
at his prosperity than a mark of affection to their sove-
reign, bringing to his mind the well known fable of the
fox and the grapes; that frequent abuses of the royal
wastes had been committed, many inclosures made, and
houses built, which were afterwards alienated and sold
to the great benefit of individuals ; and that, finally, it
savoured of high presumption in tenants of the crown to
dictate to their lord and sovereign the manner how he
should dispose of his property.

To these arguments the petitioners rephed, that having
with a large sum of money liberated themselves from the
tyranny of the Whitmores, they little expected to be so
soon re-plunged into a similar state of oppression by the
Harleys ; that the alleged benefit of the cottagers was a
mere pretext made for the purpose of disguising the
ambitious designs of the aspiring house of Brampton
Bryan, which, by the powers delegated by this lease,
would convert the said premises into a source of its own
private emolument, enlarge them to an indefinite extent,
Eind thereby gain such an ascendancy in the county aa
would control and domineer over its native inhabitants ;
that if trespasses had been committed on the royal
wastes, they were done without their knowledge or con-
nivance, and that they alone were sufferers by such en-
croachments ; that the abuse of a privilege, enjoyed for
centuries, and repeatedly and solemnly confirmed, was
no argument for its abolition ; that their ancestors, ever
since the accession of their noble Lord of Moelynaidd to
the regal sceptre of this kingdom, in whose just cause
they profusely shed their blood in the field of Mortimer's

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HISTORY OP HADNOBSaiRB. 93

Cross, had been admitted to the honour of being the
tenants of all its soTereigns, successively, which honour
they, their descendents, had by no act of their own for-
feited, but which, withdrawn from them in this reign by
the pecuniary exigence of their lord for a short space of
time, they had re-purchased of the alienators for the use
of his majesty, and received a solemn confirmation of
the grant, secured by letters patent under his great seal,
together with bis royal assurance that this grant of their
ancient rights and privileges should never again be re-
voked, but suffered to descend unimpaired to their latest
posterity; and that, finally, time, which never fails to
develope the bidden motives and principles of human
conduct, would demonstrate to the world who of the two
contending parties, themselves or their competitors, best
deserved the marks of the royal favour and patron^e.

The issue of this cont^t proved the final prevalence
and triumph of truth and justice over falsehood and
oppression. The ministers of those days, though equally
faithless to their king and country, dared not violate a
privilege so long enjoyed, so honourably recovered, and
so recently and solemnly ratified and confirmed by his
majesty. The dispute terminated in favour of the peti-
tioners, whose challenge, in the close of their reply,
subsequent events proved to have been dictated by a
spirit truly prophetic. For the inhabitants of this county,
when the great rebellion broke out, associated in support
of the royal cause, presented their liege lord with a sum
of money, and even detached a body of infantry to relieve
the city of Hereford, when besieged by Sir William
Waller; whilst the whole house of Brampton Bryan
espoused the side of the Parliament, and strenuously
exerted all its power and influence to promote and carry
into efiect the arbitrary and illegal proceedings of the
Commonwealth, by depressing the king's friends, confis-
cating their estates, and sequestrating their livings.

In the twelfth year of King Charles I., (1637,) the
Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery was appointed steward
in and over the paramount manor, or lordship, of Cantref

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94 HIBTOBY or RADKOBSHIRB.

MoelyDaidd. In the time of the Commonwealth of
England, this situation was conferred upon its strenuous
partizan, Robert Harley, Esq., or Sir Robert Harley,
Knight, whose conduct in it was marked by many in-
stances of extortion, violence and oppression, exercised
upon the royalists. The same gentleman also held the
trust at the era of the restoration of the royal family.
From this period to the present time, Tarious grants of
this appointment appear to have been made in succession,
by letters patent under the great seal of the exchequer,
to noblemen and gentlemen of rank and influence. The
following is a catalogue of the names of the stewards,
and of tTie dates of their appointmenlB : —

SteroartU of CantTef Moelynaidd.
Namtt. Data of AppebUmmt.

Earl of Pembroke and HootgoniBr; . . IS Cbariea 1 1637.

Sir Roben Huley, Knight II Charlea IJ. . . 1671.

Sir Hanr; Oabome, Knight S4 Charles II. ..• DecembeulS, 1678.

Chules Lord Herbert 39 Chwlw II. . . October fi, 1681

Marquiiof Powis 1 James IT September 1,1682.

Sir Rawluid GnTone, Kolgtit 4 James II April 6, I68S.

Robert Harley, Esq 3 William III... NoTember 26,1091

Robert Harley, Eeq 4 William III. . . Jane 19, 1701.

Robert Barley, Esq 1 Amie 1703.

Thomas Lord Coolngaby 1 George I December 7i 171^

Duke of CEuindoe George I Febrnary 4, 1731.

Henry Lewis, Esq 20 Oeofge II June 30, 1746.

Henry Lewis, Esq 1 George III. .. April21,1761.

Edward, Earl of Oxford 7 George III. . . Febmaiy 8, 17S8.

Edward, Earl of Oxford, nephew of } Qeorm III

tbeprecedlng i ^^ "

Among the customs of this paramount manor, or lord-
ship, the steward has power to hold a court baron every
three weeks, and pleas to the amount of £1 19s. lid.,
the same to be determined by a jury of six men.

The wages, or fee, accompanying the appointment of
steward, is £6 13s. 4d., in addition to which the Earl of
Oxford received, by a dormant warrant from the treasury,
the sum of £100 per annum. The duties required of
the several stewards in succession seem not to mive been
varied. Independent of his wages, or fee, the steward is
entitled, under bis patent, to all fees arising from and
out of the different courts, which are numerous, hut

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BISTORT OP HADHORSHIRE. 95

which are seldom or ever holden, except for the purpoae
of electing and swearing in burgesses or voters for the
borough, though, for the better preservation of the rights
of the crown, as well as of the privileges of the in-
habitants, they are required to be holden frequently.

The grant also confers upon the steward " free and
several fisheries, as well as the privilege of hawking,
hunting," &c., within the different districts of which
Cantref Moelynaidd is composed, with full power to
depute and to give liberty to others so to do. Id the
appointment, however, a special reservation seems always
to have been made by the crown to itself, " of all, the
amerciaments, fines, issues, and other profits arising
from all courts leet, courts baron, and courts of record,
holden within the same." And these the steward is not
only expressly directed to account for to the crown, but
" from time to time render a good and faithful account
thereof, in such manner and form as other stewards, or
keepers, of the king's courts of right, and by the laws
and statutes of the kingdom, and by the course and custom
of the exchequer, ought and are bound to do." ....
'* And shall make and deliver to the mayors, bailiffs, and
other officers of the said manors, true and perfect schedules,
or extracts, of all such fines, issues, and amerciaments,
and other profits, of the said several courts, respectively,
at fit and convenient times in every year, that they may
the better collect and answer the same."

He is also directed that he " shall cause to be delivered,
yearly, duplicates of the said schedules, or extracts, upon
parchment, under his hand, to the auditor of South Wales
for the time being, before he holds his audit for the
county, so that the said mayors, bailiffs, and other officers,
may be charged therewith upon their accounts."

With respect to the grants which have been made of
the privileges of these manors, or lordships, in the year
1753, May 30th, the Earl of Oxford obtained a lease from
the crown to extend the term of a former one, then in
existence, for twenty years from the 6th of April, 1764.

By this lease (inter alia) all mines and minerals, of

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UIBTOBY OF RADNOBBHIRB.

what kind soever, found, or to be found, dug, acquired,
or recovered in any place within the lordship of Cantref
Moelynaidd, in the county of Radnor, as well opened as
to be opened, or left and not occupied, or at any time
heretofore used, were granted to his lordship, with full
and free power to open the soil, and carry away any
metals or minerals found therein, together with all privi-
lege whatsoever to the said mines belonging, excepting
and reserving out of the said grant to the crown all
royal mines whatsoever.

The same letters patent also conveyed to him all and
all manner of heriots, yearly, from time to time hap-
pening or renewing, within the several manors of Glan-
destre, Presthend, Rhosllyn, Cnwclas, Cwmdauddwr, Is-
coed, Swydd-rhiwarallt, Uwchcoed, Rhayader, Knighton,
Swydd-y-Gr^, and Swyd-wynogion, or within any of
them, with their appurtenances, being parcel of the
lordship of Cantref Moelynaidd, in the said county of
Radnor ; rendering a tenth part of all the clear yearly
profits of the said mines and minerals; such profits to
be accounted for upon oath, twice in every year, before
the auditor of South Wales, and paid into the hands of
the receiver-general of the crown. And with respect to
the heriots, it was ordained that every seventh year a
particular account of the profits should be delivered unto
the auditor of South Wales.

In the year 1784 the property reverted to the crown,
and was again granted to the brother of the former lessee,
the Reverend John Harley, D.D., Dean of Windsor, and
afterwards Bishop of Hereford. This lease expired in
the year 1815, and was renewed with his widow.

In the reign of George II., (2nd November, 1758,) a
lease of a very different and singular description was
granted, for thirty-one years, to Richard Austin, Esq.,
(inter alia,) of the soil and ground of all wastes and
waste lands, commons and common of pasture, situated,
lying and being in, or belonging to, the several manors,
parishes, townships and places, being parcels of, or de-
pendent on, the lordship of Cantref Moelynaidd, in the .

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 97

county of Radnor, that is to say, in Llanddew-ystrad-
ennau, Llanbister, Bugaildu, Heyop, Llanbadam-fynydd,
and Llananno, within the manor of Y Gire Treyllan ; in
Llanddewi, Llanfihangel, Rhyd leithon, Llangunllo above,
Llangunllo below, WbittOD, Pilleth, and Treyrllan in
Llandegla, within the manor of Rhiwarallt ; the township
and liberties of the boroughs of Knighton and Rhayader,
Glandestre, Gwyddel, Gwainwen, Hencoed, and Colla,
within the manor of Gladestre and ColJ^ ; Llanhir, within
the manor of Iscoed ; 8ant-Hannon, within the manor
of Uwchcoed ; Cwmdauddwr, within the manor of Cwm-
dauddwr ; and in Nantmel, within the manor of RhosUyn,
or Rissuli ; together with all cottages, buildings, bams,
stables, out-houses and edifices, and all yards, gardens,
orchards, fields and inclosures whatsoever, which are or
have been encroached, built, taken or inclosed from the
said wastes, waste lands and commons aforesaid; and all
waifs, estrays, goods and chattels of felons, and fugitive
felons of themsdves, condemned persons, and persons put
in exigent ; and all hunting, hawking, fishing, fowling,
and all other royalties, privileges, pre-eminences, profits,
commodities, advantages, hereditaments belonging there-
to ; excepting and reserving to the crown all manors,
messuages, lands, rents, royalties, courts, courts baron,
courts leet, fines, heriots, and all other hereditaments,
which had heretofore been granted to any person or
persons upon leases, letters patent, grants, term and terms
of yeara, estate and interest therein, and were then subsist-
ing and unexpired ; rendering and paying a third part of
the yearly profits, to be accounted for on the oath of the
lessee, or his steward, before the auditor of South Wales,
at the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, or within
twenty days afterwards, and paid at, or into the receipt
of, the exchequer at Westminster, or into the hands of
the bailiff or receiver of the crown, at the same period
of the year, or within sixty days then next following.

It might easily have been foreseen by all but venal
and corrupt ministers, that the execution of a lease of
this arbitrary nature, which tended to reduce the in-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

habitants to a state of subjection not very different from
that which they endured under the dominion of the Lords
Marchers, and laid a foundation for numberless imposi-
tions and oppressions, would have excited the strenuous
opposition of a people tenacious of their rights, and in-
heriting the spirit of their ancestors. Accordingly, such
■was the effect it produced. An alarm was immediately
spread over the whole county ; copies of the grant, con-
firmed by King Charles I., were circulated ; committees
formed, and subscriptions collected, for the purpose of
supporting a legal and constitutional resistance to a
measure fraught with ruin and injustice. The leasee was
terrified at the attitude which the county assumed ; and
having calculated that the trouble and expense of en-
forcing the concessions of the royal grant would far
exceed the profits and emoluments likely to result from
its execution, suffered it to lie dormant, and never once
dared to act upon it; and the lease having expired in
due course of time, has not since been renewed.

To the paramount manor, or lordship, of Cantref
Moelynaidd, a peculiar privilege is annexed. It confers
on its steward the power of holding those courts, or rather
the borough courts within its jurisdiction, for the purpose
of nominating burgesses, who thus become qualified to
vote for a representative in Parliament for the borough
of 'New Radnor. Nor are these courts ever holden but
for this purpose. New Radnor being the shire town, is
entitled to return one burgess to Parliament, in con-
junction with the contributory boroughs of Knighton,
Cnwclas, Cefn-y-Us, and Rhayader. These four last exist
as boroughs by prescription. The boroughs of Pain's
Castle and Presteigne form a part of the manor of Cantref
Moelynaidd ; but the privilege of holding courts within
these several places, for qualifying their inhabitants with
the right of voting, is not extended to them, and in the
year 1690 their claims were disallowed by the House.
The manner of nominating burgesses, and qualifying
them for voting for a representative in Parliament, is as
follows : —

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HI8TORT OF RADNORSHIRE. 99

In the borough of New Radnor, which is considered
as the parent borough, the burgesses are elected by a
majority of the bailiff, aldermen, and twenty-five capital
burgesses of the borough ; and the number is not other-
wise limited than that the persons so elected must be
inhabitants within the borough at the time of such
election, but their removal afterwards does not deprive
them of their elective franchise. In the contributory
boroughs of Rhayader, Knighton, and Cnwclds, whidb
three are within the manor of Cantref Moelynaidd, and of
Cefn-y-llys, which is private property, the burgesses, when
regularly elected, are chosen in the following manner: —
-By prescription, courts leet are occasionally holden by
the steward of Cantref Moelynaidd, or by his deputy
steward, presiding over these boroughs. At these courts
the jury, who have been previously summoned, and who
ought to be bui^esses of such respective boroughs, are
impannelled, and present the names of such persons,
whether inhabitants or not, whom they think proper to
select as fit and proper persons to be made bui^esses.
This presentment being accepted by the steward, the
persons so presented are generally sworn in immediately,
if they be present in court, but if not, at a subsequent
court.

In the borough of Knighton there is an established
prescription, that any two inhabitants, bui^esses, who
are present at the holding of the leet, may object to any
person so presented. There is also another custom in
this borough. The eldest son of a deceased burgess has
a right to claim of the steward to be admitted and sworn
in a bui^ess, on the payment of one shilling, which
privilege is stated, in the customs of this borough, as
delivered to Sir Robert Hjirley, Knight, steward of
Cantref Moelynaidd in the reign of King Charles II.
(1662.)

Besides the manor paramount, or lordship of Cantref
Moelynaidd, there is included in this county another
superior and respectable lordship, called Eltael, which
claims to itself the two remaining hundreds, viz.. Pain's

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100 BISTORT OP RADNORSHIRE.

Castle and Colwyn. Theee form a large tract of territory,
distinguished to this day by the appellation of Upper and
Lower Elfael. Agreeably to the law of gavelkind, this
territory was divided and subdivided among the desceo-
dents of the reguli, or Lords of Fferllya and Moelynaidd,
tiU the era of the Norman conquest, which gave a total
alteration to the line of succession, not only of every
cantref in Wales, but even of every considerable estate
in England. Gilbert de Newmardie, having subdued
Brecknockshire, was inflamed with the usual ambition of
conquerors. He turned his arms against Cadwgan, the
son of Ellistane Glodrydd, and lord of the whole of
Radnorshire, wrested from him Cantref Maallt, which his
lather had taken from Bleddyn ab Meynarch, and ex-
tended his usurpations across the river Wye to Elfael,
uniting a considerable part of that cantref to his lordship
of Brecknock. After lus decease, this became the portion
of his daughter and only heiress Sybil, who was married
to Milo, Earl of Hereford. This nobleman bestowed it
on his daughter Bertha, married to Philip de Braos,
who, in right of bis wife, became Lord of Brecknock, in
the reign of Stephen, King of England. One of his de-
scendents, viz., WilHam de Braos, was at the same time
possessed of the several lordships of Brecknock, Buallt,
Abergavenny, Elfael, Huntington, Radnor, Knighton, Sec,
whose daughter Maud, married to Roger de Mortimer,
carried all the Radnorshire property to the iamily of the
house of WigmoTC, in which it remained until it deTolved
by marriage to the house of York, and afterwards to the
crown.

A Lat of the Namet of Manor* tn tlw Countv of Radnor <u they

at freteta eantt, together with those of thxxr Proprietors.

Manort. Proprietort. Natiori, PropTielort,

lUduor Forrifn Bailiff and BurgeHM CMon J. Chaa. Bevtraa, Bxi.

of N«w Radnor Bongbrood .... Ctancis Fowka, Eiq.

Radnor Forest . T. Fnnkltmd Lewlii, XJiiutephau... Frsncla Fovks, Esq.

Biq. ClutNur ColMMl W«od '

DowntOD Caia-7-U;B...>

NewcMtle .... Cromt LlaDwena; . . . . T. Fnnkland Lovii,

Bilnun^ alia* Baq.

StanBW .... I»m;n;dd ....
BTairifibb EarlefOxfbrd TrsiTCTn S)rBn4.Wa1*h,Bftrt.

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HIBTORT OF aADNOKBHIRB. 101

Bariud «Dd CoadSlTTdd... ThaMnw

Bnrrft Y Grs Crown

Stmnage Chartes Ttogen, Eaq. Shimuallt - ■ • . Crowa

HoTtoai Btirl of OxFiail RhiHllyD CrawB

Badland Burl of Oxford Iscoed Cronn

B1alddf& Hlchord Price, E«q. Cwmdaaddmr

Slimarton .... Bev. John Bogen, Gruig«> .... Robtrt Pe«le, Em.

CWk Isniynydd Walter WUklns, Esq.

G1«d«ti7 Ctowb CllUO«nnooM BlabopoTSt DiTid'i.

Dpp«ff ^faal . . TniMsea of Bongb- fiant Harmoa^ Two. Lowia, Esq.,

roodCbuity Lmjoo

Claacwm Paninl Lewia, Bsq. Hiehaakihtnpcli. Wm. IVnmpw, Eiq.

The county of Radaor contains three forests, viz., the
forest of Cnwclas, the forest of Blaiddfa, and the forest
of Radnor. Some add a fourth, viz., Colwyn forest.

By an inquisition of the forest of Radnor taken on the
third day of October, 1564, in the sixth year of the reign
of Queen Elizabeth, before Robert Davies, James Price,
and Edward Price, Esquires, by the corporal oaths of
Stephen Howell, Clement Donne, David ab Rhys ab Evan,
Arthur James ab Evan, William ab Watkin Dafydd,
David ab Howell, Rhys ab Meredith ab Rhys, Meredith
ab Owen, Lewis ab Evan, John Evan Rhys, Howel Evan
ab Rhys, Howel ab Evan ab Philip, it appears, that it
then consisted of 3000 acres, of which 2000 were heath,
foggy and moorish grounds, 800 were lanes, roots, and
bushes of small oris and thorns, and 300 acres fit for
pasturage; that the yearly rent was nineteen pounds;
extending in length about three miles, viz., from Maes
Moetyn to Sarnau Cerrig, and one mile and a half in
breadth, viz., from Quarrel Rhys ab Dafydd to Stalbaig;
that the forest of Radnor was granted by King Henry
VIH. to William Abbot, Esq., for his natural life, under
whom Stephen Vaughan is fanner of the said forest; that
the inhabitants of the parishes of New Radnor,OId Radnor,
Cascob, Blaiddfa, Llanfihaogel Rhydieithon, Llandegla,
Llanfihangel Nantmoylen, have right to common of
pasture thereon, paying for every beast and cattle, 2d.,
for every score of sheep, 3d ., called chenil, or cwmdogaeth.

I The odI; cuatamary manor la the eonnt}!.

' A crowD TSDt of £6 paid to hia majeaty'B auditor.

^ A court baron for holding pleal to tbo amount of £S, bat now discoatlaaed.

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102 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Originally Radnor forest was a boundeaed forest, that
is, if any man or beast entered the said forest without
leave, the former was to lose a limb, and the latter to be
forfeited, onless a hearv ransom were paid, and other
grievous exactions submitted to. These acts of oppression
were exercised with unprincipled severity, and instances
are recorded of the cattle of the parishioners having been
driven within the limits of the forest by the foresters, in
order that the said cattle might be forfeited, or a large fine
paid for their ransom. A petition complaining of these
grievances was presented to Queen Elizabeth, in remedy
whereof, a decree of the Court of Exchequer was passed in
the fifteenth year of her reign, (1573,) which confirmed
the right of the inhabitants of the seven parishes afore-
named, and established a new rate of payment, viz., for
every beast or cattle above the age of yearling, 6d.; for
yearlings, 2d. each; for every score of sheep, 2d.; forevery
calf under the age of yearling, and yet grazing, 2d.; for
every foal and filly under a year old, and grazing, 4d. ;
and for every score of lambs grazing 8d. ; but for mere
sucklings of either, nothing. All strayers to be proclaimed
at the parish church, and to be restored to the owners, upon
making reasonable satisfaction for their trespass and keep.
By this comprehensive and liberal decree, every possible
complaint had its appropriate remedy, and every dispute
that could have arisen its final adjustment.

A Catahffite or Inventory of CrotonLandi, in the County of Sadnor,
specking the Prem,ite», Names of Tenants, Grott Annual Sent,
nuTjOier of Yeart in Arrear, ^c.

Orott Teart m

Tenants Namti. Name* qf Premfut. 'a^ Grnlll

£ B. d. 17B4. *

Jamei Watt, Esq Gladeeti; Hilti 18 4 19 yn.

BvanSlapheiu, GanL, RbajtMlgr Mill 17 4 1 „

Rev.J. W. DaTJee.... CdwcUiUUI' 12 3 „

Richard Aiutiii, Esq.. ClAi Hawr in Qladesti; 1 94 „

Mrs. Bukervllte Ceb-;-«Mr Hill 16 13 „

Richsrd Blddls, a«nL Holyn HotlutMit 3 4 1 „

Walter Wilkiiu, Esq. . HIU In Tam; nydd 3 4 4„

' The aama rent reaarred in the grant nude b; Charlei 1. to Eden, Scrif«n, and
* Ditto.

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HDSTORT OF RADNORSHIRE. I

HarmB. Ghrrnne, Zsq. Abaradw HiU 13 4 16 ,

J. C. Severn, Esq Knill Rector; Stipeod 3 0,

HobtrtPetde, Etq.... GraDge Cwmdanddwr 6 3,

Teathi of the uid Ortnge 3 6

The game Laod, Ice, in Llaiuaiitliisde 6 8

Dcui oT WliuboT . . . . HenuagetDdQardenlDLluihlr.... 3 4 9,,

Earl of Oitnd Ackmiod sod CwmbergwyDoa 3

Tbeiame Northwirad aod Harleighirood S

Dukes of Cbandoii... Agtitmeot of Radnor PiA> 3 6 8 13 ,

Richard AustlD, Esq. . Coir Head* 13 17,

";:£'"feai;" I "•'«•"' ■"'■••""'»' ■■■ » ■»■

Stephen ab Howell .. . PI nek Park 6 M ,.

"m^'SSi.S'I'^''"'-"' ""^ " "-

— Lewie, Eaq. Radnor Forest 11 6,.

CTmortha Gladeilry Hoirfhleld 7 16 0} S ,

Griffith Jonei Escheat Land In GlBd««try 1 34 ,.

Pnepodtns Rente of Assiie In ditto 3 10 6

Daan of Windsor ... . Hertote of Fresthend 10

Bailiff Bailiff of the Tolls of ditto 4 I 24 „

Bailiff Bailiff of Presthend 6 d 4 „

Pnepositni Rhistlin oKiu Rhoslljn 7 7 111

Prsposilas Uwchcoed 7 14 llj 1 „

Rev. J. W. Panons. . . Land aboot Pen-y-bont' 7 8

Frnpodtus Br7n-;-bont 7 14 11}

Deanof Windsor .... Land In Rhayader, and Tolls' 8 6 8

Prsposltns Rhaj^er 4 19 8

Prsiwtitas Cwia;daaddwr 4 16 8

Richard Wright, Eaq. Lord's Laud In Knighton' 7 4 S „

BalUff Cnwolfts fi 6 4^ 8 „

Bit BenJ. Walsb, Bart. 40 acna of Luid near Sw;dd-:rr-'^>t' 16 4„

PnepviitDS 8wydd-yr-Al!t 11 6 6i 2 „

Pmposltas Sw;dd';-Gr« 33 10 3}

PmpoallDi Swydd'Wrnoglon . "* " "'

Bailiff - ■ -

Earl of Oifbrd . .

Robert DhtIss, et alU Rants of A

Hr.JohnCooke ditto. ditto O 4 IJ 4 ;,

Hr. Edward Price.... diUo ditto 19 10

Mr. Exeklel Pallrey . . Land, and a Tenanient In Llanddewi 6 8

Richard Anitln,^.. Site of Radnor Castle 1

Richard Anitin, Esq.. Land In Clascwm named Alllvlet.... 3 8

Bdward Allen, Esq. .. 3 Shada in Knighton Borough 6

Bdward Burton, Eaq.. A Chise on Cefh ; gaer hill 3 6

Louisa Price Tenement in Presteigne 3

Dukeof Cbandois. ... ditto ditto S

Juo. Hancock, itali.. ditto Are Harj Lane, Presteigne 81

— Clarke ditto in Prestwgne 1)

£TanlIeredltb,Esq... ditto ditto

■ Granted in fee to Young and Favell ; purchased b; PL Lewis, Esq.
* Id ADstia'i lease.

■ Granted In fee to Toung and Farell ; purchased b? PI. Lewis, Esq.
' Same test reaerred In grant of Charles I. to Eden, fcc.

^ In Deu of Windsor's lease.
' Same rent reaerred In the grant of Charlee I.
■Ditto.

' In lease gnnted b; Jamee II., 1886, to Franda Ha^nei of Wwcestw, I
same rent is £13 6b. Sd.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Earl of PowiB ditto ditto

Deui of Wiodaor .... Lead HiiNa, fee, wlthlii Cuitref

Uoel;nitMd 10

Tbaume WhltteneyLaDdiDCDWcHUBoroDgh 6 8

The Bsme Lord's Mead in Cnwclfts 3 4

Tba same Werstina Land 6

Tbe Mine Site of Cnwclfta Cutis 8

Tb« sama 4 acres of Land named BroojThiw-

KW7dd, and Llwjney Ooodln .... 6

The came 3 parcali of eonoeeled Land named

W;rgloddgam, and Blaek Mead ■ ■ 9 S

The ume Herbage of Cnwcla* Forest 13 4

TbiMune SparcelM^cMtcealedLaiMlinKnlgbton 3

The following are the extracts from Domesday Booh

concerning the district of Radnor : —

In Hezetre Sundred.

Rex ten. Radrenore. Herald. The king holds RadDor. Earl

Com. ten. Ibi 15 Hidffi. Waelie Harold did hold iL It contains

Bunt 7 filer. Tra e. 30 Car. Hugo fifteen bides, which are and were

Lane didt q'' Witts Com. banc waste grounds. In this land are

Tram sibi dedit q^o dedit €i l^m thirty carncates. Hugh Lasne

Turchil entecessoris sui. saitb, that Earl William gave this

land to faim, when be gave him

tbe land of Turchil bis predecessor.

In Sezetre Mund.

Oabernus fil. Ricardi ten. 7 Osbem, the sod of Richard,

tenuit Bradelege de 1 Hida 7 holdeth and did bold in Bradley

Titlege de 3 Hidis 7 Bruntune one hide, in Titley three bides, ia

de 1 Hida 7 Chenille do 2 Hid. Brampton one bide, in Knill two

7 Hercope de Dimid Hida 7 hides, in Hercope (or Herrock)

Hertune de 3 Hid 7 Hech de 1 half of a hide, in Harton three

Hida 7 Clutertune de 2 Hid. 7 bides, in Hech one bide, in Dis-

Querentune de 1 Hida 7 Diacote coyd three bides, in Cascob half

de 3 Hid. 7 Cascope de dimid. of a hide, in Clatterbrook two

Hid. In his 11 C5 est Terra 36 hides, in Querentune (or Kinner-

Car. sed wasts fuit 7 est Nunc^ ton) one bide. The land of these

geldavit. Jacet in Marcha de eleven manors contains 36 carn-

Wallis. cates. It was and ia at present

waste. It is situated m tbe

Marches of Wales, and was never

In Lenteard Hund. Sciropicire.

Isdem Osbernus ten. Slanege.
Ibi 6 Hidffi. Tfa e. 15 Caruc.
Wasta fuit 7 est. Ibi 3 Hida.

Isdem Osbem. ten. Cascop 7 and are at present waste grounds,

tenuit. Ihi dimid. Hid. Tra e. Tbesaid Osbem holdetb Cascop,

3 Caruc. Wasta fuit 7 est. Ibi and did hold it, containing one-

In Lantardine Hundred, Shrop-
shire.
The said Osbernholdeth Slanege,
consisting of six bides. The cam-
cales are fifteen. Three hideswere

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HISTORY OP RADKORSHIBE.

105

9Uva 7 u

In Bezetre Hand.
RadulphuB de Mortemer ten.
ia Felelei 2 Hid. la Ortune 3
Hid. In Mildetune 3 Hid. In
Westune 3 Hid. In tot. 9 Hidw
mint witstse in Msrcha de Wales.
Tra 8 18 Car. Septe CD filer. 7
qnq, tainai tenuenint.

1% Hezttrt Sund.

Rad. de Mort. ten. Duntnne
7 Oidelard de eo. ^Imar 7
Ulchet tenuer. pr. 3 CD 7 poter.
ire quo voleb. Ibi 4 Hidee. Duse
ex nis non geldabant. In dnio
sunt 3 Car. 7 3 villa. 7 3 bord.
cum. dimid Car. Ibi 6 aervi 7

[liscar. Silva dimid 6 in Ig 7 fi 0}
at. Ibi sunt duEe Haiee. VaS. 30
sol. Hanc tram ded. W. com.
Torstino Flandren^.

half of a hide ; two carucateB of
vhicb were and are at present
waste. It contains also a wood,
and one hide.

Ralph Mortimer holdeth in
Pilleth (or Bilmore) two hides,
in Norton two bides, in Milton
three bides, in Weston two hides.
These nine bides are waste grounds
ia tiie Marches of Wales. They
contained eighteen carucates of
Iand,and comprised seyen manors,
or lordships, occupied by five
officers, servants, or tenants.

Xn the Hundred of Hexetre.

Ralph Mortimer boldetb Down-
ton and Oidelard under him.
Elmar and Ulcbet did hold it by
two manors, or lordships, and
will be firee to go whithersoever
they please. It contained four
hides. Two of these are exempt
from paying taxes. In demesne
are two carucates,and threevillani,
and three bordsrii, with half a
carucate. There are six servants
and fishermen. Half of a wood,
extending six miles in length, and
five in breadth. There are two
parks. The whole is valued at
thirty shillings per annum. This
property was eiven by Earl
William to Turstin of Flanders.

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106 HISTORY OF HADNORSHIRE.

CHAPTER VI.

PAROCHIAL ATTTIQITmES.

1. — Swidred of Radnor. — Cascob.

The usual explanation of this word, viz., Cae-yr-esgob,
the Bishop's Meadow, is, in our judgment, inadmissible;
because it is neither descriptive of the situation of the
place, as all Welsh names of parishes are, excepting those
which begin with Llan, nor singularly appropriate, since
any other lands may have been episcopal, as well as this ;
and especially, because the contraction of Cae-yr-esgob
into Cascob militates against the idiom of the Welsh lan-
guage. In Domesday Book it is called Cascope. Atten-
tion to this orthograpy of the word would have led to its
true etymology, viz., — Cas, a fortress, and Cope, an emi-
nence. The justness of this etymology is confirmed by
tradition, which reports that a small fortification of earth
formerly stood on the summit upon which the church
is erected ; or, perhaps, the name Cascob might mean
the eminence impending over the brook Cas, which runs
through the parish, and discharges itself into the river
Lug-

This parish is situated partly within the liberties of
New Radnor, and partly in the townships of Litton and
Cascob, in the hundred of Wigmore, in the county of
Hereford, and contains the townships of Cascob, and Litton
and Cascob ; the former township being in the county
of Radnor, and the latter, with the remaining part of the
township of Cascob, being an insulated portion of the
county of Hereford. At the time of compiling Domesday,
it was situated, at least a part of it, in the hundred of
Hezetree, in the county of Hereford ; and the land men-
tioned consisted of half of a hide, belonging to Osbem,
the son of Richard.

The portion comprehended within the liberties of New
Radnor is by far the most considerable part of the parish,
being five-sixths of the whole, and is called the township
of Cascob. The assessment of its poor-rates, and the

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 107

land-tax, are kept and paid distinct rrom the portion in
the townships of Litton and Cascob, which is denominated
Wig;more land, and formerly belonged to Mortimer, Earl
of Marche. The money raised by the parish rates for
this part in 1803, was £39 18s. lid., at 3s. 4d. in the
pound. Id these rates, this last is associated with the
remainder of the township, which is comprehended in the
parish of Presteigne.

The township of Cascob consists of two manors, viz.,
Achwood and Cwmgerwyn, formerly a part of the Marches
of Wales, but now belonging to the king, being specifically
reserved to the crown in the charter granted to the borough
of New Radnor. These manors where holden by lease, for
many years, by the Earl of Oxford, and his ancestors.
An Act of Parliament was passed in the fifty-third year
of Geoi^e III., (a.d. 1813,) for inclosing the common
and waste lands in this township.

The portion of the parish in the townships of Litton and
Cascob is on the north-east side, and contains by estima-
tion about five hundred acres of land, whereof about two-
fifths are inclosed, and the remainder is an open common,
called Lanfawr. Tlie whole of this township, consisting
of probably twelve hundred acres, is an insulated part of
the county of Hereford, being bounded on all sides by the
county of Radnor. The money raised by the parish rates
for this part, in 1803, was £45 56. 4d., at 4s. 6d. in the
pound. The manor is part of that of Stepleton, and
belongs to the Earl of Oxford.

The principal landed proprietors in the parish are John
Whitaker, Esq., who served the oflBce of High Sheriff for
the county of Radnor in the year 1809; and Hugh
Stephens, Esq., who was High Sheriff for the same county
in 1818.

According to an inquisition taken 3rd October, in the
sixth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, (a.d. 1564,)
by virtue of the Queen Majesty's commission, addressed
to commissioners for the survey of the forest of Radnor,
the parish of Cascob, in conjunction with those of New
Radnor, Old Radnor, Blaiddfa, Llanfihangel-nant-moylyn,

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BISTORT OF HADNOBSHIRB.

liandegla, Llanfihangel-rhydieithon, is entitled to send
cattle, &c., to be depastured on the forest of Radnor, on
paying to the forester at the the rate of 2d. for every
beast or cattle, and 3d. for every score of sheep or goats.

This parish is not distinguished by military positions.
Its situation within the protection of the castle and garrison
of New Radnor precluded all contention ; consequently,
no vestiges of ancient fortifications are to be found, nor
even a tumulus of any kind, throughout the whole extent
of it, except on the highest part, where it meets the
boundary of New Radnor, where stands a beacon, or low
mound of dark peat earth, called the Black Mixeo.

On several parts of the open commons are vestiges of
com ridges, which indicate that anciently the land had
been ploughed, and kept in a state of tillage ; and on
several parts likewise, when turned up by the plough, are
discovered the remains of charcoal heaps, proving that a
considerable portion of the land had been onginally
covered with wood, which the inhabitants had converted
into charcoal.

The population of the whole parish, including the re-
mainder of the township of Litton and Cascob, was 197,
according to the return in 1801. In the year 1811, the
return was as follows : — ^Township of Cascob, 19 houses,
39 males, and 49 females ; Cascob, in the township of
Litton and Cascob, 7 houses, 25 males, and 32 females ;—
in all, 26 houses, and 135 persons. The return at that
time for Cascob, and the whole of Litton and Cascob, was
35 houses, and 183 inhabitants.

The names of the farms and fields are chiefly Webh ;
and, from the circumstance of a Welsh Church Bible
having been found in the parish chest, which had been
made use of, there is reason to conclude that the language,
if not spoken, was at least understood in the parish in
the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; though at present it is not
to be met with within perhaps fifteen miles of the place.

In the return made m the reign of Charles I. of the
several sums of money set upon every pariah or township
in general within the county of Hereford, for the fumish-

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aiBTORT OF RADNORSHIRE. 109

ing of one ship of 350 tons for the safeguard of the seas,
and defence of the realm, the township of Litton and
Cascoh were assessed at £7 14s. 6d. They were likewise
in the year 1636 assessed the sum of 7s. weekly, towards
the relief of the inhabitants of the parish of Presteigne,
then infected with the plague.

Eccletiattical Account.

The church of Cascob, which is situated in the township
of Caacob, and distant five miles W.N.W. from Presteigne,
the nearest post-town, consists of a single aisle and low
tower. Its internal length is 56 feet, and breadth 19;
its external length, including the tower, is 72 feet, and
breadth 25. The tower, in its original state, was probably
considerably higher than at present. It contains two bells,
the larger of which has been broken, and rendered useless.
The inscription on the smallest is, —

IH. WR. W. 1633. + JESUS BE OUR SPEED j
on the larger is, —

SA. NOOA ANNA OHA PRO NOBIS.

Of this last, the former part is doubtful, being rather
illegible. In the church-yard are tomb-stones, with in-
scriptions, to the memory of the ancestors of Thomas
Smith, Esq., who served the office of Lord Mayor of the
city of London in the year 1810 ; and of Hugh Stephens,
Esq., of London who was High Sheriff for the county of
Radnor in 1818.

The parish of Cascob is in the diocese of St. David's,
and archdeaconry of Brecon. The benefice is a discharged
rectory, valued in the King's books at £7 Os. 7^d. The
patron is the Bishop of St. David's, and the church is
dedicated to St. Michael. The annual wake is holden
on the first Sunday after Michaelmas-day. According
to the diocesan report in 1809, the yearly value of the
benefice, arising from glebe land, composition for tithes,
augmentation, and surplice fees, was £143 6s. 8d.

The parish register books commence in 1624, but from

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110 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

1641 to 1662 the entries are irregularly made; which
show that the place was affected hy the disorders of the
usurpation, which laid this living for several years under
sequestration, ejected its lawfuUy appointed miuister, and
suspended its accustomed duty.

The rectory house has between thirteen and fourteen
acres of glebe land in the township of Litton and Cascob.

The rector whose name first occurs in the register book
is the Rev. Charles Lloyd, A.M., and it is met with in the
year 1678. Prior however to the commencement of the
register, the Rev. Richard Lloyd was rector of this parish,
whom the Republicans ejected in the year 1649, and
sequestrated the living.

lAtt of IneUTTtbenti.
Home* When Cellated Namet Whm Collated

Rot. Charlw Lloyd, A.U 1678 Rev. Henry Probert Howuth).. ..1746

Rsv.JohD Medlsj, A.H.t 1699 Rev. Richard UoyfP 1776

Rev. Walter WilUami 1733 Bev. Geo. Albert Barker, B.A.«.... 1 797

Rev. JohD White 1737 Rev. WUUam Jeoklos Bew, A.H.9 1813

OOLPA.

This name is derived from Col, a sharp hillock, or peak ;
and Fa, a place, or Fach, little. If the latter, it signifies
a low peak, or eminence. This parish is situated near

' The rectory house was built by this gentleman in 1711. He waa
also Rector of Blaiddfa, Archdeacon of St. David's, and last Prebend
of Llangammarch, in the county of Brecon ; for, being annexed to
the treaanrership of Christ's College, at Brecon, it was for ever afUr
united to the bishopric, in lieu of mortuaries.

* He was also Rector of Gladeslry, in this county, and brother of
Sir Humphrey Howarth, of Maeslough, who represented the county
of Radnor in Parliament from 1722 to 1755. The family of Howarth
is ancient and respectable,

' This gentleman, though blind, regularly performed his official
duties, and instructed youth.

* He was master of the College School, in Brecon, and succeeded
to the rectory of Cefn-y-llys, in 1805.

* The present worthy incumbent, to whose assistance and contribn-
tions the author of this work is greatly indebted. In 1815, and sub-
sequent years, very considerable improvements were effected by this
gentleman to the rectory house. He was likewise the means of the
tenement of Little Tu-iscob, in this parish, being purchased by the
Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty, for the augmentation of the
benefice, in 1819.

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRE. 1 1 1

the source of the river Arro, or Arrow, which rune through
it, and borders it on the west for almost four miles. It
is bounded on the other points, viz., on the north, by the
^rish of Llanfihangel-nant-moyiyn ; on the south, by
Bry ngwin and New Church ; and on the west, by the parish
of Glascwm ; and contains about fifteen hundred acres
of inclosed and cultivated land, and about six hundred
acres uninclosed and uncultivated, being hills. The
quality of the soil of those lands which border the river
Arrow is good and productive, comprising some valuable
meadowing and pasturage; the hilly part h extremely well
adapted for the rearing of young cattle, and for the
purposes of the dairy. The township of Colfa extends
considerably beyond the limits of the parish of Colfa,
including a large portion of common and inclosed lands
in the parish of Llanfibangel-nant-moylyn, viz., Black-
yatt, Bailyonnen, Bailybeddw, Rhiwy, and Tyn-y-rin ;
part of Llanwenuau farm, Blaeneddw Wells house and
farm, and part of Caer-myrddu, together with part of
Llandegla's Rosa, extending to the marshes, or morass,
in which the river Eddw has its source.

According to the return in 1801, the population of this
parish was 188. In the year 1803 the parochial rates
amounted to £137 10s. lOd., at 8d. in the pound.

There are several small charities belonging to the poor
in Colfa, viz., £90 charged upon a tenement called Lower
Ffynonau, in this parish, the property of Mr. James Lovett,
the interest of which is distributed annually amongst
decayed persons who have never received parochial relief.*
There is also a portion of land on which were till lately
two almshouses, which have imprudently been suffered to
dilapidate. The land on which they were erected, together
with the gardens, lie contiguous to the green road leading
from Lower Ffynonau to Cnwc Bank. The site is now
open to a field called Maes.

* £7 per annum are paid to the poor of this pariali (Colfa) not re-
ceiviag parochial relief, arising from a farm, Ty-yn-y-wain, in the
parish of Llandegley; the remaining £\i being equally divided
amongst the poor of Llanvihanget Nantmelan and Llandegley.

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112 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

The parish of Colfa exhibits no vestiges of antiquity
druidical or military ; — no barrows, camps, nor castles.
Whatever more relates to it will be included in the de-
scription of the parish of Gladestry, to which it was in
former times united.

The JEceUsuutical Account
is necessarily limited to a similar brevity. The church of
Colfa is a small edifice, consisting of a nave and chancel.
The benifice is a chapelry, annexed to the vicarage of
Glascwm, and dedicated to St David. It is not in chai^,
and ia of the certified value of £10 per annum. The
Bishop of St. David's is the patron. Tlie annual wake is
holden on the first Sunday after the Ist of March. Ac-
cording to the diocesan report in the year 1809, the
yearly value of this benefice, arising from composition for
tithes, and surplice fees, was £24 19s. One-third part
only of the tithes belongs to the incumbent, the remaining
two-thirds are annexed to the bishopric of St. David's, and
leased to Perceval Lewis, Esq. The church of Colfa is
distant seven miles west from Kington.

Gladestry, or Glandestre : Wallice, LUa^air Zlethonow.

The Welsh name of this parish, viz., Llethonow, seems
to be derived from the root lledanu, to expand ; the village
being situated iu an open recess of the surrounding hills.
This interpretation answers to the English name glade, or
glen ; or,- perhaps, it may come from llethineb, which
signifies humidity, the hills attracting the clouds, and
producing a damp and moist atmosphere. Yet the climate
of Gladestry is by no means damper than that of similar
situations.

This parish is bounded on the north and north-east by
that of Old Radnor ; by Michael-church and Huntington
on the south; on the west by Colfa and Llanfihangel-nant-
moylyn ; and by the parish of- Kington on the east. It
consists of four townships, viz., Gladestry, Wainwen,
Hencoed, and Gwithel, and contains about four thousand
acres, partly inclosed. In the year 1810 an Act of Parha-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 1 13

inent was obtained for inclosing a common, in coDJunction
with the parish of Colfa, which has an interest in the same.

The united parishes of Gladestry and Colfa constituted
in former times a bailiwick, subject or belonging to the
paramount manor or lordship of Cantref Moelynaidd ;
and till very lately a court leet was holden annually at
Gladestry, and also a court baron monthly, for the reco-
very of small debts contracted within the bailiwick. The
right of the estrays belongs, by prescription, to the free-
holders, and a freeholder in one of the said townships was
alternately and annually returned at the court leet to take
the estrays, as also to serve the office of chief constable ;
the same person generally holding both offices.

The old mansion called the court of Gladestry welb a
spacious edifice, bearing marks of antiquity, and adapted
for British hospitality. It belonged to Sir G^le or Gylla
Meyric, who in the reign of Queen Elizabeth was attainted
of nigh treason, condemned, and executed ; when this
estate, and also a piece of land in the same parish, called
C168 mawr, became escheated to the crown. This ancient
mansion was originally fortified, like many other manorial
habitations of our ancestors; and, from the house to the
turnpike-road leading from the village of Gladestry to the
town of New Radnor, there lately extended a spacious
avenue, having a row of majestic oaks planted on each
side. These have been eradicated, and the approach to
the mansion, which is now converted into a mrm-house,
altered. This estate was given by the crown to Sir Robert
Harley, Bart., and lately sold by the present Earl of
Oxford. It is now the property of James Crummer, Esq.,
of Howey Hall, in this county. CI6s mawr was leased
by the crown at £1 per annum, to Griffith Jones, Esq.,
of Trewem, in the adjoining parish of Llanvihangel Nant-
melan, who was Sherift'for this county in 1553, an ancestor
of the present Sir Harford Jones, of Boultibrook, near
Presteigne. It is now lost to the crown, through neglect
of claiming the rent in due time. It is situated on a part
of a farm called Hanton, or Hendton, which lies con-
tiguous to the turnpike road leading from the vill^;e of

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114 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Gladestry to the town of New Radnor, and now divided
into small parcels or crofts.

This parish, like Colfa, exhibits no vestiges of druidical
relics; and originally commanded, as well as protected,
by various camps in the neighbourhood, and subsequently
by the strong castles of Radnor and Huntington, it con-
tains few or no sites of military positions. Contiguous
to the manorial house, or court, of Gladestry, are the
remains of a camp, surrounded by a strong rampart, or
breast- work, but now garden ground.

The townships of Gladestry, Wainwen, Hencoed and
Colfa united, constitute the manor of Gladestry.

Gladestry Mill is the inheritance of the crown of
England, and is at present leased to James Watt, Esq.,
at the gross annual rent of IBs. 4d. The same rent was
reserved in the grant made by Charles I. to Eden, Scriven,
and others. In the year 1784, twelve years of arrears
were due. Gladestry Hornhield, an inheritance of the
crown, was leased to Griffith Jones, Esq., at the yearly rent
of £7 15s. 0^. In 1784, two years of arrears were due.

Ecclesiastical Account.

The church of Gladestry is dedicated to St Mary, and
consists of a nave and chancel, with a north aisle, and a
tower containing five bells. The chancel is lighted by
five windows, — one on the east, and two on the north and
south sides each. A window on the north side contains
a few fragments of painted glass. The lavacrum is in
the south wall of the chanceL To the east wall of the
church is affixed a monument to the memory of the Rev.
Francis Wadeley, rector of this parish, with the family
crest, over a shield quartered two lions rampant, and two
bends. The inscription is as follows: —

" Within the rail, on the north side of the commuQion table,
lies interred the body of the Rev. Francis Wadeley, Rector of
this pariBh, and Prebendary of the Collegiate Church of Brecon,
who died in 1748, tetat 70."

Charitable Donations,
A lady, of the name and family of Hartstongue, left

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 115

an estate at Weyddel, in the parish and township of
Gladestry, to eatablieh and support a free school for the
benefit and education of the children of this township,
and also of the lower part of the parish of Llanfihangel-
nEint-moylyn.

[Mr. Gaitekell> of the Council Office, Downing Street, has kindly
fumiehed the following information in reference to the Lord-Lieutenants
of Radnorshire : — " 1700. — I find that Thomas, Earl of Pembroke,
waa Lord-Lientenant of South WUes ou the 30th of October, 1702,
including the oountiea of Brecon, Caermarthen, Cardigan, Glamoi^n,
Pembroke and Radnor, but I cannot find when he was actually ap-

fointed, — I preeume it muat have been between the years 1692 and
894. Edwai-d, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, appointed Lard-Lieu-
tenant of the county of Radnor, 16tb July, 1766. The Right Han.
Thomas Harley, appointed 15th April, 1791. Lord Rodney, appointed
21st March, 1805. Sir John Benn Walsh, Bart., appointed 11th
August, 1842."]

This name is written in Domesday Book Discote. The
right orthography of it is Iscoed, which signifies, '* beneath
the wood." The land is described in Domesday as a
manor, or lordship, situated in the hundred of Hezetree,
in the county of Hereford, and containing three hides.
It then belonged to Osbem, the son of Richard, who
came with the Norman conqueror into England, or rather
preceded him, being the son of Richard Fitz-Scroope,
governor of the Norman garrison of Hereford in the reign
of Edward the Confessor. The lordship of Discoed was
afterwards annexed to the monastery of Wormesley, in
Herefordshire-

The parish of Discoed is situated near the river Lug,
and bounded by the parish of Presteigne on the south,
and by Whitton on the north.

LLANFIHANQEL-NANT-MELIN, OH NAHT-MOYI-YN.

This parish is bounded on the east by New Radnor, on
the west by Llandegla, Glascwm, and Colva, on the south
by Gladestry, and on the north by Llaudegley. It con-

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1 16 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

sists of three townahips, viz., Trewem, Gwiller, and Llan-
fihangel. The farms called Baily onnau, and Baily
beddw, beloDging to Black-gate farm, together with
Rhiwy, and Tyn-y-rhin, being part of Oewenny, or
Llanwen-nnau farm, and also Blaen-eddw farm, house,
and well, with part of Caer-myrddu, are included in the
township or parish of Colla.

Trewern was the seat of a family of the name of
Hartstongue. The old house was a spacious mansion,
and built in the style of architecture that prevailed about
three centuries since, when lords of manors lived among
their tenants, and exercised hospitality. The modem
dwelling is a brick-house, and erected about a century
ago. It is now converted into a farm-house. To this
estate a lordship, or manor, called Busmore, is annexed,
of which the family of Hartstongue were the proprietors.
About fifty years since it was sold by Sir Henry Harts-
tongue, Bart., who at that time resided in Ireland, and
in whom it became vested to Benjamin Walsh, Esq.,
whose son. Sir Benjamin Walsh, is the present owner.
Previous to the sale of it, a court leet was accustomed to
be held at Trewern and Noyadd. A court leet is now
held at Trewern annually, Mr. D. James of Presteigne
being the steward.

The Rhiwy estate formerly belonged to the late Lord
Coningsby, of Hampton Court, near Leominster, Here-
fordshire. In this neighbourhood his lordship was used
to spend three or four months every summer, during
several years, and his residence was Rhiwy House. This
estate weis sold by his descendant, Lord Maiden, now
Earl of Essex, a few years ago, to Thomas Frankland
Lewis, Esq., of Harpton Court, in this county. To this
estate is annexed a manor, or lordship, as also was in
former times to the Rhiwy property ; so that this small
parish of OanfihangeUnant-moylyn contains, if not more,
certainly as many lordships as any in the county.

Nor is it less distinguished by the remains of antiquity.
In a direct line to the north-east of the church, on a farm
belonging to John Whittaker, Esq., of Newcastle Court,

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 117

stands a large tumulus, or barrow, situated on an emi-
nence, and surrounded with a deep moat or ditch, and high
agger. This fortification seems to have been originally
formed for the purpose of repelling an enemy advancing
trom New Radnor. At a short distance from the church
westward is a circular or elliptical camp, thrown up to
defend and protect the village from an attack on that
side ; and upon a considerable eminence impending over
Blaenedw Wells, on the left of the tumpike-road leading
from New Radnor through this village to Fen-y-boot
and Rhayader, is a large tumulus, or barrow, environed
by a deep trench and elevated agger, and commanding
extensive prospects, particularly to the west and south-
west. These fortifications seem admirably adapted to
having been outposts to the castle of New Radnor, to
the defending of the narrow pass Llanfihangel-nant-
moylyn, and to the keeping of an enemy in check, who
attempted to advance through that defile towards the
castle. An intelligent friend, to whom the author is
greatly indebted for much valuable information relating
to this and some neighbouring parishes, conceives that
these fortified points served as outworks to the castle of
Colwyn ; but the distance between these two fortresses is
such as precludes the adoption of this conjecture, in the
object of their primary formation : secondarily, indeed,
they might have served to that purpose, and have been
the link iu the chain which connected the castles of New
Radnor and Colwyn, when they both belonged to the
same powerful chieftain, viz., towilliam de Braos, Lord
of Brecknock and Buallt. After all, the author cannot
hesitate to declare his opinion, that these ancient fortifi-
cations were long anterior to the era in which it is known
castles began to be erected in this district, and that they
were originally formed by the Silures, and used by that
brave people as a means of obstructing the progress of
the Roman invaders, and of defending uieir country from
hostile incursion.

The parish of Llanfihangel-nant-moylyn contains about
5,000 acres of land, partly inclosed.

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I 18 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

This parish, in conjunctioQ with those of LlanBhangel
Rhydieithon, Llandegla, Blaiddfa, Cascob, Old Radnor,
and New Radnor, in all seven parishes, is entitled to send
cattle, &c., to be depastured on the forest of Radnor, on
paying to the forester at the rate of 2d. for every beast
or cattle, and 3d. for every score of sheep or goats. This
right, or privilege, derived from remote antiquity, was
confirmed by an inquisition taken in the sistii year of
the reign of Queen Elizabeth (a.d. 1564) by virtue of
the Queen's Majesty's commiBsion, addressed to commis-
sioners for the survey of the forest of Radnor.

According to the return made in the year 1801, the
resident population of this parish was 314. The money
raised by the parish rates of the three townships con-
jointly, in the year 1803, was £190 4a., at 5s. 9d. in the
pound.

CharUabk Donations.

The children of the lower division of this parish have
a right to be educated in a free school, established by a
lady of the name and family of Hartstongue, and sup-
ported by the rent of an estate at Wyddel, in the parish
of Old Radnor, and township of Gladestry.

At the foot of Radnor forest, and at the eastern ex-
tremity of liaudegla's Ross, is a larm-house, called Gwaen-
yr-arglwydd, that is, the lord's meadow, and supposed
to have once belonged to an ancient regulus of the dis-
trict, but whose name tradition has not preserved.

The principal landed proprietors in this parish are T.
Frankland Lewis, Esq., who resides at Harpton Court, in
the parish of Old Radnor, John Whittaker, Esq., and
Sir J. B. WaUh, Bart.

Eccletitutical Account.

The church of Llanfihangel-nant-moylyn is a very low
and mean edifice, constructed with the perishable stone of
the countiy, and externally white-washed. Its internal
part contains nothing worthy of notice. It is situated
on the bank of a small stream, which runs in this dingle

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ScaUr cf Chains.

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRE. 1 19

between the hills, and empties itself considerably below
the village into the river Somei^ll.

The benefice of Llanflhang^-oant-moylyn ia a dis-
charged vicarage, valued in the king's books at £4 13a. 4d.
The king is the patron, which his ntdesty inherits from
Edward IV,, Lord of Moelynaidd. The church is dedi-
cated to St. Michael. The annual wake is held on the
first Sunday afiter Old Michaelmas Day.

This parish anciently belonged to William de Braos,
Lord of Brecknock and Buallt. His ancestor conferred
the tithes of it upon the knights of St. John of Jerusalem.
In the reign of^ Henry VIII. these alien donaticms were
abolished, and the tithes of this parish received a partial
distribution, one-third of the great tithe and all the small
being assigned to the vicar's share, and the remaining
two-thirds to impropriators. According to the diocesan
report issued in the year 1809, the yearly value of this
benefice, arising from augmentation, tithes, glebes, and
surplice fees, was £112 ISs. 6d. The yearly tenths are
9s. 4d.

NEW RADNOR.

No historical mention is made of this place prior to
the reign of Edward the Confessor, when Earl Harold,
afterwards king, transferred the ruins of Old Radnor to
the site where New Radnor now stands, called it Radre-
nove, formed the town, and erected the castle. The
description recorded in Domesday Book is as follows : —
"Rex tenet Radrenove. Comes Haroldus tenuit. Ibi
sunt 15 Hidas Wasta fuit & eat." From this it appears
that New Radnor constituted a part of the royal demesne
of the Norman sovereigns of England.

Its area was an oblong aquare, containing within its
walls an extent of about 26 acres of ground. The regular
disposition of the streets, as they were at first formed,
may be traced in some measure by the appearance which
they at present exhibit. There are three longitudinal
streets, distinguished by the modem names of High Street,
Broad Street, and Water Street, which were intersected

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120 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

by five transverse ooes. The castle was erected above
the town, which it perfectly commanded, as well as the
entraDce of the defile which leads into it, between two
hills, from the west. It was a square structure, flanked
at the four angles with circular towers, and inclosing a
strong keep. Some remains are still existing. The in-
trenchments are nearly entire; the outer ward, called
Bailigl^ or the green court-yard, is still distinct from
the inner one, or keep, and in its original form ; the walls
of the town had four gates, ohtending the four cardinal
points of the compass. Their site, together with the
moat, is very visible, particularly on the west and south
sides. There is also to be seen beyond the western ex-
tremity of the parish, and about a mile's distance from
the town, an intrenched dyke, which was continued from
one extremity of the narrow vale to the other, and evi-
dently thrown up to serve as an outwork to the castle,
and for the purpose of guarding the defile. In the year
1773, on digging on the site of the castle, six or seven
small Gothic arches, of excellent masonry, were dis-
coveredj and, in the year 1818, many more of a similar
construction, together with several military weapons,
such as halberts, spears, swords, battle-axes, &c.

The history of this town and castle is briefly this.
Founded by Earl Harold, after his successful irruption
into Wales, and received into his own immediate pos-
session, or courteously presented by him to his master
and king, Edward the Confessor, tbey became, after his
death, and at the Norman conquest, a portion of the royal
demesne of William I. How long they continued in the
tenure of the Norman sovereigns of England is a matter
of uncertainty. A soldier of fortune, who accompanied
the conqueror on his expedition into England, asserted
his claim to the possession of New Radnor on a promise
made to him by William Fitz-Osbom, the first Norman
Earl of Hereford, as well as the greatest favourite of that
monarch in the kingdom. Whether William I. thought
prm)er to ratify the alleged gift of his kinsman, and
suffered the pretensions of his JoUower to prevail over his

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HISTORY OF aADNORSHlRE. 121

own, there ia no existing document that ascertains the
fact. The determined character of this monarch, and the
general analogy of his other proceedings, render the
negative the more probable, and seem to justify the in-
ference, that the town and castle of New Radnor, together
with its annexed territory, thus considered of great im-
portance in its earliest state, remained the royal demesne
of the succeeding sovereigns of England.

The political and military importance of the town and
castle of Radnor was acknowledged and felt during a
long series of years, because the possession of them was
made an object of constant solicitude and contest. In
all the wars carried on betwixt the two contending
nations, the English and the Welsh, in the civil broils of
the latter, and in the baronial contentions of the former,
as well as under the tyrannical despotism of the Lords
Marchers, this town and castle participated with various
vicissitudes. In the year 1091 the fortifications were
repaired and garrisoned by Reginald, or Ralph, de Mor>
temer. In 1 102 Walter, Bishop of Hereford, was deputed
hither upon an important mission, and received within
its walls. In 1188 the town of Radnor was the first
place in all Wales where the crusade expedition was
preached by Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury, accom-
panied by Glanville, Chief Justiciary of England, Giraldus
Cambrensis, &c., where they were met by Prince Rhys,
and other natives of Wales, of the first rank and dis-
tinction. Among those who here took the cross were a
son of Cadwallon, Lord of Moelyuaidd, and a man of
singular strength and courage, named Hector. In the
year 1195 Prince Rhys, in revenging the oppressions
committed by the Lords Marchers, took the town and
castle of Radnor, and defeated Mortemer and De-Saye,
with immense slaughter, in a neighbouring field, now
denominated War-close. His continuance in this place
militating against the further prosecution of his plans, he
lefl it; and, in the following year, the town and castle
were fortified and garrisoned by Richard, Duke of Corn-
wall, afterwards Richard I., King of England. Thus far

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

they remained the property of the English crowu ; but
they were afterwards mortgaged by King John to that
opulent and powerful baron, William ae Braos, Lord
of Brecknock and Buallt, whose daughter Maud, united
in marriage with Roger de Mortemer, brought these pos-
sessions into the house of Wigmore. In ^e year 1330
they were taken from the family of Mortemer by Llewelyn
ab Jorwerth, Prince of North Wales, but afterwards
given in dowry to Ralph, or Reginald, Mortemer, who
had married Gwladus-ddu, the only surviving child and
heiress of that prince. In the year 1265 Llewelyn ab
Gruffudd, siding with the barons, defeated Sir Roger
Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, and by right of inheritance
proceeding from his mother, Prince of Wales, took and
destroyed the town and castle of Radnor. The possession,
however, of both, after the death of Uewelyn, and the
final conquest of his principality by Edward L, was
restored and confirmed to the family of Wigmore and
Marche. For, in the year 1360, the attainder against
that family having been repealed, Roger Mortemer, who
was restored to the earldom of Marche, and to all his
grandfather's inheritances and honours, died possessed of
Radnor, the castle, and territory thereto belonging. After
the accession of the Earl of Marche, and Lord of Moely-
naidd, to the throne of England, who was crowned king
by the title of Edward IV., this property was conveyed
by marriage of the widow of Sir Edmund Mortemer to
the house of Northampton, and subsequently, by means
of a similar union, to the house of Buckingham. By the
attainder of the duke of the last-mentioned family they
reverted a third time to the reigning sovereign of England
in the person of Henry VIII. A -century prior to this
reversion they had sustained, from the impetuous assault
of the fierce Glyndwrdwy, a catastrophe more ruinous
than any that preceded it, from the direful effects of
which they have never since been able to recover. For
its houses and buildings were levelled to the ground,
and the lands on which they were erected lay for a long
time entirely unoccupied ; its fortress and its walls were

D,=;,lz...,C(Xlg[e

SLAL FOUND AT RADNOR

JMle&ux. dil ft,ti.

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 123

demolished ; and its inhabitants either slaughtered, or
compelled to abandon their property; whilst the most
valuable manuscripts, the charter and records of its pri-
vil^es, liberties, and franchises, conferred by the Lords
of Moelynaidd, the Kinp of England, and the Lords
Marchers, who were also Lords of Radnor, perished in the
flames. The severe edicts enacted by Henry IV. against
the inhabitants of the districts, who rather favoured than
obstructed the enterprize of their countryman, and who
excited the hatred of this jealous monarch by being in-
timately connected with his imprisoned rival, the rightful
heir to the throne, which he had violently usurped, finished
the work of desolation.

The political consequence, therefore, which Radnor
once possessed, gradually diminished, in the same ratio
in which the trade and prosperity of the towns of Pres-
teigne and Kington increased. Hence, about a century
ago, the weekly markets of the former were discontinued,
because the neighbouring farmers found a greater demand,
and consequently a higher price, for their produce, in the
towns of Kington and Presteigne, than in it. About the
year 1778, attempts were made by a few patriotic gentle-
men to revive the markets at Radnor, which were sup-
ported for four or five years with considerable zeal and
success; but either through the want of proper accom-
modations in the town, or the badness of the roads, or
the paucity of customers, or through the combined
operation of all these causes together, they were again
dropped, and the thriving town of Kington seized, and
retains, the mercatorial monopoly.

The town of Radnor has four fairs in the year. The
first is held on the first Tuesday after Trinity Sunday,
the second on the 14th day of August, and the third and
fourth on the 28th and Sdth days of October.

Borough and lAhertiet.

New Radnor is a very ancient borough by prescription.
Its first charter of incorporation now in existence was
granted by Queen Elizabeth, < in the fourth year of her

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124 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

reign, a.d. 1562, at the request of Thomas Hobby, Esq.
This charter conferred privileges of great value, a mauor,
and liberties extending into twelve townships; being
bounded on the north by a part of the parish of Cascob,
on the east by the parish of Presteigne and township of
Hereton, on the south by the parishes of Gladestry and
Colfa, and on the west-south-west and north-west, by
the parishes of Clascwm, Llandegla, and Llanfihangel
Rhydieithon ; and computed to embrace in length from
east to west about eleven miles, and in breadth from
north to north-west about nine miles. This extent of
territory is called the manor of New Radnor, and the
manor and lordship of Radnor Foreign. The bailiff of
New Radnor for the time is the lord of the manor of
New Radnor, and T. F. Lewis, Esq., of Harpton court,
is lord of the manor of Radnor Foreign.

In the fourth year of the reign of George II., (a.d.
1731,) the capital burgesses of the borough of New
Radnor were by death, and through neglect of filling up
the vacancies, reduced to the small number of seven only,
BO that the business of the borough was entirely enspended.
A new charter was therefore sought, and granted, con-
firming, explaining and enlarging the powers and prero-
gatives of that of Elizabeth. This charter ordained, that
the town of New Radnor, and manor of Radnor Foreign,
being part of the lordship of Radnor, and Radnor's land,
and parcel of the possessions of the late Earl of the
Marches, and lying in and near the said borough and
town, should be a borough incorporate for ever, by the
name of the bailiff, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough
of New Radnor ; that they should be qualified to acquire
lands, &c., to grant and demise lands and goods, to sue
and be sued, and to have a common seal. It was further
ordained, that there should be one bailiff, two aldermen,
and twenty-five capital burgesses, whereof the bailiff and
aldermen for the time are three; to whom and their
successors were granted the town and suburbs, and all
former liberties, kc, at the rent of £37 8s. l|d., to be
yearly paid at the exchequer, at the feast of St. Michael,
mto the hands of the receiver-general.

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HISTORY OF RADN0R8HIRB. 125

It was further ordained, that they should have a council-
house within the borough and town aforesaid, called the
Guild-Hall, and in the same should consult, and decree
laws, statutes, ordinances, Sec, concerning the government
of the borough, town and manor, and concerning them-
selves, their professions, officers, artificers, lands, tene-
ments, hereditaments, and all the other inhabitants, and
that they should inflict on offenders such punishments as
were not repugnant or contrary to the laws of the realm.

It was also ordained, that the said capital burgesses
shall have power to nominate and elect in the month of
September yearly, on Monday next after the exaltation
of the Holy Cross, one of themselves to be bailiff for the
year ensuing ; which person so elected shall be sworn
faithfully to perform tnat office, on Monday after the
feast of St. Michael; and that on the same day, viz., on
Monday next after the exaltation of the Cross, the said
capital burgesses shall elect yearly two others of them-
selves to be aldermen, which two persons shall be sworn
anually on Monday next after the feast of St. Michael,
faithfully to perform that office, in the presence of six
capital bui^esses; and that, when any person holding the
office of bailiff or alderman dies, or is removed from
either of the said offices, the said capital burgesses shall
proceed to a new election, and that the bailiff or one of
the aldermen shall preside at all elections.

It was further ordained, that the bailiff, aldermen and
burgesses shall have power to elect one honest and
discreet roan, learned in the laws, to be the recorder of
the borough ; and also, that they shall elect a town clerk
or prothonotary, who may appoint a deputy; and also,
that they shall yearly, on the said Monday next after
the exaltation of the Holy Cross, elect two cnamberlains,
who, with all other inferior officers, may be sworn before
the bailiff and six capital burgesses on Monday next after
the feast of St. Michael.

It was also ordained, that there shall be two serjeants-
at-mace, to carry the maces and to execute all processes ;
that the borough and jurisdiction shall extend to the

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126 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

ancient limits ; that there shall be a coroner to return all
inquests at the next great sessions ; that one of the said
bui^;esseB shall be elected and sent to parliament; that
the bailiff, aldermen, capital burgesses, common council,
and all other inferior officers, must abide, reside, and
inhabit irithin the borough aforesaid, the liberties, and
precincts thereof; that there shall be holden on every
Monday a court of record, for all manner of actions, the
dami^e whereon exceeds not the sum of 40s. ; that the
bailiff shall take recognizances, and the town clerk shall
be king's clerk, to receive, &c., the said recognizances,
and that the bailiff, aldermen and capital bui^esses (or
common council) shall make cognizance of all pleas, &c.

It was further ordained, that there shall be a court-leet
and view of irankpledge, and return of all writs; that
there shall be a jail; that the bailiff shall be a justice of
the peace during his bailiwick, and one year after ; and
also, that the two aldermen shall be justices during their
continuance in office ; that there shall be a jail delivery ;
that the bailiff shall be clerk of the market, and receive
all fines, waife, deodands and felons' goods, heriots, &c. ;
and that diere shall be an assize of bread ; and that the
authority of the county magistrates shall be superseded
in the borough and manor, liberties and precincts of the
same, unless in default of the said bailiff, aldermen, &c.

It was also ordained that there shall be a market on
every Tuesday ; and five fairs, viz., on Tuesday after the
feast of the Holy Trinity ; on the 3rd day of August ; on
the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist; on the 29th of April,
and on the 1st of October, in every year; during which
fairs a court of pie-poudre was to be held, with all free
customs to such court belonging; that the bailiff and
aldermen shall have a mercatorial guild, together with all
customs to such guild belonging ; that they shall have
power to assess and levy tallage ; that the bailiff, aldermen
and burgesses shall be free from all toll, lastage, passage,
portage, stallage, and other exactions throughout the
king's dominions ; that they shall not be compelled to
appear before any justice of the peace, &c., save before

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HISTORY OP BADNOB8H1RB. 127

the chief justice of the county ; that they shall have power
to admit inhabitants to be burgesses; that do burgess
shall be sued out of the liberty on any pleas, &c., being
done within the borough ; that they shall have power to
purchase lands under certain restrictions, notwithstanding
the statute of mortmain.

It was also ordained, that the bailiff, aldermen and
burgesses shall not proceed to the determination of any
treason, murder or felony, or any other matter touching
the loss of life ; that they and their successors shall have
all the soils, commons and waste grounds in the borough
and manor aforesaid; that they shall enjoy all former
grants made to them; that such grants, privileges, &c.,
are hereby confirmed, renewed and restored ; that no
sheriff or other oflBcer shall enter the liberties of the said
borough, to execute anything pertaining to his office;
that no person that is not free of the guild shall trade in
the borough and manor aforesaid, unless in the time of
markets and fairs; that all residents whatever shall be at
scot and lot with the burgesses, and subject to the same
contributions ; that no quo warranto writ shall be issued ;
and lastly, that this grant or letters patent shall be made
and sealed, without fine or fee, in the hanaper, or else-
where; although the true yearly value of the premises,
or any part of them, be not particularly specified or
mentioned.

Exceptions. — " Excepted and reserved to us, our heirs
and successors, our castle of Radnor, and the advowson
of all churches being within the borough town and
manor aforesaid : and excepted all those woods called
Achwood, Cwmberwyn and Northwood, being of the
yearly rent of 37s. 6d. ; and also the park called Radnor
Park, and demesne land of the castle, being of the yearly
rent of lis. 8d.; and also excepted the lordship and
manor of Newcastle, and the rents and services of the
tenants of the lordship of Newcastle, together with the
mill called Holbatch Mill, being of the yearly rent of
£3 14s. 8d., and likewise the forest of Radnor, being of
the yearly rent of £16 or £19."

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128 HISTORY OF aADNORBHIRE.

Such is the renewed charter of the borough of New
Radnor and manor of Radnor Foreign ; which, it must
be acknowledged, contains very liberal grants and privi-
leges, and all that deservedly ; for the procuring of this
new charter cost the exchequer a no less sum than £1284.

Under this new charter of Oeorge II. the first baili£F
was Stephen Harris, Esq.; the first recorder Thomas
Lewis, Esq., of Harpton ; the first capital bui^esses were
Samuel Vaughan, Edward Burton, John Whitmore, James
Lewis, John James, Charles Evans, Thomas Stephens, of
Kinnerton, Herbert Lewis, Esq., of Harpton, Hugh
Stevens, of Cascob, Christopher Lewis, William Lewis,
of Pantives, John Griffith, Samuel Vau^an, Thomas
Prothero, Heniy Morgan, of the Stones, Thomas Jones,
of the Rhiw, ifdward Phillips, Solomon Vaughan, John
Griffiths, of Llanfihangel, Richard White, James Gould,
Richard Gould, and J^n Lewis, of Forsidat.

The first bailiff under Queen Elizabeth's charter was
Thomas Mar. Powell ab Stephen ; the two first aldermen
were Phillip Bunsey, and Rees Lewis; the bui^esses,
Phillip Luntly, Thomas Lewis, Griffin Jones, John Madox,
John Lewis, Walter Vaughan, of Harpton, Steph. Powell,
Morgan Price, John Price de Kinnerton, Clement Downe,
John Havard, John Watkins de Lywennau, Edw. Howell,
John ab Price, Wm. Greene, Roger Powell, John Price
ab John, Hugh Davies, John Powell, David Donne, Rees
Harris, Phillip Powell, and Stephen ab Stephen Madox.

By the provisions established under these two charters,
the borough and manor foreign of Radnor still continue
to be governed. The following are the names of the
bailiffs, recorders and town clerks of the borough of New
Radnor, from the year 1686 to the present time: —

BalUff

1686. Walter Cnthbert, BaOj^

1666. DBTld PovslI

1687. RtchMd 8IOD«i,

1696. Ditto,

1668. JohD Blepbeiu,

1697. Ditto,

1689. JohD DiTlM,

1698. Ditto,

1690. Ditto,

1699. Hugh Lewla,

Charles Cnthbert, Tovm Cltrl

1700. Ditto,

1691. John navlet, BaO^

1701. Ditto,

1683. David PoKoU, „

170S. Ditto,

1683. Dltta,

1703. Ditto,

168*. Ditto,

1704. Ditto,

Di.itradb, Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

1707.
1708.
1709.
1710.
ITll.
171».
1713.
1714.
171fi.
1716.
1717.
1719.
1719.
1780.
17S1,
172S.
IT33.
17S4.

1726.
1736.
1737.

173a.
1734.
173d.
1736.
1737.
1738.
1739.

1740.
1741.
1743.

1743.
1744.
174«.
1746.
1747.

1748.
174B.
1750.
1761.

William Jamea, „

Robert Price, Rteorder
David Powell, JSsUijf
Oriffitb Payne, „

Roger Tonman, „

Tbomit LewU, „

Haory Boll, „

David Powell, „

Jobn Hllei, „

Samuel Burton, „
Wm. ChamberltjiM, „
James Duppa „

Thomu L«wIb, „

Henry Boll, „

John Mllea, „

Herbert Levril, „

JamM Bull, „

Petar Rtckardi, „

John Boulter, „

David Williama, „
Rev. David WillUniB „
Jamea Duppa, „

Herbert LewU, „

John SCephena, „

John Whltmore, „
Herbert Lewit, „

Roger Slepbena, „
Joba Stapiiena, „

Howel Lewii, Tmon Clerk
John Jamea, Bailiff
Samnel Taaghan, „
Thomaa Lewia Recorder
Herbert Lewia, Bml\ff
Samuel Vaughan, „
Herbert Leiris, „

John Jamee, „

Ditto, „

Ditto, „

Stephen Harrli, „
Evan Meredith, Tmon Clerk
Thomaa Lewis, Bailiff
Herbert Lewie, „

John James, „

William Price, Toiea Clerk
John Jamea, SaUiff'

Rev. Hr. Lewi«, „
Herbert Lewis, Janr., „
Jobn James, Toum Clerk
Herbert Lewia, Jnnr.,£(iUtJf
Ditto, „

Tlutmsa LewU, „

Rev. Tho. Lewia, „
Thomaa LewU, „

Jobn Jamea, „

Thomaa Williama, Toma Clerk
William Lewli, BoUfjf
Solomon T

1768.
I76g.
1760.
1761.
1763.
1768.
1764.

1772.
1773.
1774.
177fi.
1776.
1777.

Baaiff-

1786.

1786.

1787.

1788.

1789.

1790.

1791.

1708.

1793.

1701.

1796.
1796.
1797.

John Taugtian, B«iHg^

John Stephen!, „

Henry Lewia, Itaeorder

Tbomas Daviea, Baaiff

Jobn Stephana, „

Thomaa Daviea, „

Benjamin Allfbrd, „

William Jones, „

Bdward Bunt, „

John Glttoei, „

John Lewis, Secorder

Benjamin Evaoa, Bail\ff

Jobn Jamea, Town Clerk

John UwU, BaUiff

Thomaa Lewis, Seearder

Benjamin Ail ford. Bailiff

John Hiueott, „

John Lewia, Baeerder

Jamas Watkins, Bailiff

William Evani, „

Edward PhUlppa, „

Charles Hitee, „

Clement Payne, „

Edward Hunt,

Charles MUei,

John Jamea, „

David Williams,

John Stephens, „

Tbomas Lewia, „

Benjamin Bvans, „

James Boakerville, Totm Clerk

Thomaa Lewis, BaU^

Jamea Baskervllle, „

John Meredith, Tmim Clerk

William Evana, Bml^

Edward Hunt, „

James Baskervllle, Tovm Clerk

Edward Cooper, BaHiff

Jamea LewU, Toton Clerk

Jobn LewU, BaU^

Rich. Unich, D^uty BteoTtler

Jobn Oittoes, Bailiff'

John Lewis, Becorder

JamM LewU, Bail^

T. W. LewU, Dep.Totim Clerk

Thomas Williams, BoUjlT

James LewU, Tovm Clerk

Hugh Jones, Clk., Bai^

Jamea Price, Toun Clerk

John LewU, Bailiff

Hugh Jones, Clk., Dep. Recorder

David WllUama, Bail^

John Lewie, Recorder

James Price, BaUiff

T. W. Lewis, Toon Clerk

Ricbaid Watldna, Bailiff

James Price, Tmm Clerk to 1819

John Taylor, Bailiff

Richard Williama „

John Hunt, „

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130 BISTOHY OF RADKOReHIRB.

1797. Wi)U«m Ftanklind, Bteorder 1S0S. WUIUm Joiwa, B»mff

1798. John BtophoDB, Bailiff 1808. DsTid Wlll!»mi,
1T99. Ditto, „ 1804. Thomu Bright, „

1800. DiTid WlllUmi, „ 1806. RIchud WHIIbids, „

1801. Rlehaid WilliBmB, „ 1806. Jeramlah Grifflthi, „ to 1810
T. P. Lewii, Bteorder to 1818

Membert of Parliamait.

Radnor is considered as the mother borough, aod
being the shire town is entitled, in conjunction with the
contributory boroughs of Knighton, Rhayader, Cnwctas,
and Cefn-y-llys, which exist as boroughs by prescription,
to return one burgess to Parliament. The manner of
nominating bui^;esseB, and qualifying them for voting for
a representative in Parliament is as follows; —

In the borough of Radnor, the burgesses are elected
by a majority of the bailiff, aldermen, and twenty-five
capital burgesses of the borough ; and the number is no
otherwise limited than that the persons so elected must
be inhabitants within the borough at the time of such
election ; but their removal afterwards does not deprive
them of their elective franchise. Nothing but the cir-
cumstance of receiving parochial relief disqualifies from
being made a burgess any inhabitant who is regularly
proposed, and goes through the requisite forms. On
that account their number is very considerable ; those of
New Radnor alone at present exceed 200.

In the borough of Rhayader, the ancient rights and
customs of which were ascertained by order of the
commons of England in the year of 1649, and in those
of Knighton and Cnwclas, ml of which are within the
manor of Cantref Moelynaidd, and also of Cefn-y-llys,
which is now private property, the burgesses are, when
regularly elected, chosen in the following manner: — By
prescription courte-leet are occasionally holden by the
steward, or deputy steward, presidingover these boroughs.
At these courts the jury, who have been previously
summoned, and who ought to be burgesses of such re-
spective boroughs, are impannelled, and present the names
of such persons, whether inhabitants or not, whom they
think proper to select as fit and proper persons to be

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 131

made burgesses. This presentment being accepted by
the steward, the persons so presented are generally sworn
in immediately, if they be present in court, but if not, at
a subsequent court.

In the borough of Knighton there is an established
prescription, that any two Inhabitants, burgesses, who
are present at the holding of the leet, may object to
any person proposed or presented to be made a bui^^ess.
There is also another custom in the said borough ; the
eldest son of a deceased bui^ess has a right to claim of
the steward to be admitted and sworn iu a burgess, on
the payment of one shilling ; which privilege is stated in
the customs of this borough, as delivered to Thomas
Harley, Esq., steward of the same, in the second year of
the reign of Charles 11., a.d. 1662.

Id all these contributory boroughs, it is at the time of
holding their respective courts that the nomination of new
burgesses to be elected is to be made. The number of
burgesses belonging to the four contributory boroughs is
estimated at 1000, the total is about 1200.

The privilege of returning one burgess for the borough
of Radnor, in conjunction with its four contributory
boroughs, viz., Knighton, Rhayader, Cnwclas, and Cefn-
y-llys, is founded on the statute of the 27th and 36th of
Henry VIII. This privilege, however, was not imme-
diately exercised and enjoyed, either from the novelty of
the institution, or Irom the predilection of the inhabitants
for their accustomed form of government ; or, if exercised
and enjoyed, no historical account of such elections has
been preserved and transmitted to posterity. The first
election, of which notice has been handed down to us,
took place at the Restoration.

We have just stated that the first recorded election of
members of parliament for the borough of New Radnor
occurred at the period of the Restoration ; the parish-
ioners, however, assert, upon the strength of an authenti-
cated tradition, that Sir Philip Warwick, the faithful
friend and loyal attendant of King Charles I. in all bis

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132 HUrrORT OP lUDMOBSHlBB.

troubles, Tepresented the borough of New Radnor in
parliament for aeveral sessions.

lAtt of Membtft of Parliament for the Borough.

A^. CHASLBS II. A.D. Obobqb I.

leeo. Sir Ednrd Hnrlgj, Bttrt 1714. ThomM Lewis, B«q.

laSl. Sir Bdwtrd Hnrlef, Btrt. ITS3. Thonuw Lewl«, Baq,

1878. Sir EdwiTd Ha\ej. But. «„,„ ir

1681. ThomM Barley, Esq. UWJBOb ii.

1797. TboniM Lewii, Ew].

1794. ThotDU Lewi*, Biq.

1141. Thomu Letrit, Eiq.

1747. ThomM Lawii, Biq.

17H. ThomH Lewii, Eaq.

WiujAM AHD Hakt. Oso&aB III.

1761. Thomu Lewi», Biq,
1760. EdwBTd Lewis, Ek|.
1774. Edward Lewis, Esq.
W...I1W TIT "80. Edward Lewis, Em. -

WIUJA* III. ,jg^ j^^^ j^^ ^

1008. Bobart Htrl«7, Esq. 1790. DsTid Uumj, Esq.

1701. Robert Harle;, Esq. 1796. Lord Halden

1709. Bobert H ~ ~ 1799. Blehwd PHoe, Em].
1706. Bobert H 1803. Blchsrd Price, Esq.
1708. Bobert H 1807. Blchaid Price, Esq.

1710. Edward I 1818. Bichard Price, Beq.
1713. Edwnd I 1818. Biohard Price, Esq.

A contest for the borough of Radnor was carried on
in the year 1678, between Richard Deerham, Esq., and
Sir Edward Harley, Bart., a petition presented to the
House, and referred to the Committee of Privileges.

A contest for the borough was carried on in uie year
1688, between William Probert and Richard Williams,
Esqrs., a petition presented to the House, alleging this
singular complaint, that the bailiff rejected the votes of
the out-resident burgesses, saying that they had no right
to vote when any of the twenty-five capital burgesses of
Radnor were candidates, and referred to a committee.
No determination was passed upon that point.

A contest for the borough was carried on in the year
1690, between Robert Harley, Esq., and Sir Rowland
Gwynne, Bart., and a petition was presented to the House,
signed by the burgesses of the boroughs of Presteigne
and Pain's Castle, who, being inhabitants of a part of
the jiaramount manor of Cantref Moelynaidd, as well as
the inhabitants of the boroughs of Knighton, Rhayader,

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HISTORY OF RADNORgBIRX. 133

Cnwcl^, and Cefn-y-llys, claimed an equal right of voting
at the election of a member for the borough of Radnor.
Their claim was disallowed by the Houae, and the right
of election was then determined to be in the burgesses of
Radnor, Knighton, Rhayader, Cnwclds, and Cem-y-llys
only. This resolution was entered upon the journals of
the House, and has ever since been deemed law.

The bailiff of the borough of New Radnor is the
returning office at the election of its representative.

The sheriff's county courts, for the recovery of small
debts under 40s., are nolden in the town and borough of
New Radnor in alternate months with Presteigne: for-
merly with Rhayader ; but the court, for a certain mis-
demeanour, was removed thence to the town of Presteigne,
by the statute of the 34th and 36th of the reign of
Henry VIH. The quarter sessions for the borough of
Radnor are holden on the Monday in the second week
after the Epiphany, on Low Easter Monday, first Monday
after the Feast of Thomas a'Becket, and the first Monday
after Michaelmas Day.

The parish of New Radnor is bounded on the west by
the parish Llanfifaangel-nant-Moylyn, on the north by
the parishes of Llanfihangel Rhydieithon, and a part of
Cascob, and on the east and south by the parish of Old
Radnor. Its average length is three miles, and its breadth
the same. It is divided into four parts, whereof the town
and township of New Radnor are the principal; the
other parts are included in the townships of Harpton,
Badland, and Walton, the remainder of which are situated
in the parish of Old Radnor. It is situated in the borough
of New Radnor, and in the manor and lordship of Radnor
Foreign. The bailiff of New Radnor for the time being
is the lord of the manor. This privilege was granted by
charter in the fourth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
It contains by estimation about 2,600 acres of old inclosed
land, and about one-half of the same quantity of waste
lands, and new allotments, partly inclosed. An Act of

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134 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Parliament for inclosing the commons and waste landa
was obtained in the year 1811, and the award thereon
was completed three years afterwards-

Tradition still preserves the remembrance of a battle
having been fought in War-clos, a field at a short dis-
tance eastward firotp the town, on an estate belonging to
Percival Lewis, Esq., of Downton, which is supposed, on
very probdile grounds, to have been the scene of the
action between Rhys ab Gruffudd, Prince of South Wales,
and Roger Mortimer, Earl of Wig^ore, and Hugh de
Saye, Chief Justiciary, in the plain below the town, in
the year 1 195, when the two latter were totally defeated.^

In the year 1734 the number of inhabitants was 416.
The last return, in the year 1811, was 380.*

Each township is assessed separately to the king's
taxes. The money raised by the parish rates, in the year
1803, was £209 28. 3d., at 3s. 7d. in the pound.

Downton, situated on the left hand of the turnpike road
leading to Kington, about half a mile from the town
of Radnor, is a place of great antiquity, which Domesday
Book describes in the following manner : —

" In Hezetre Hundred, Com. Hereford. Rad. de Mort. ten.
DuDtune. 7 Oidelard de eo. .^mar 7 Ulchet tenuer. per 2 OD 7
poter. ire quo voleb. Ibi 4 Hids. Buee ex hie non geidabant.
In dnio sunt 2 Car. -j \ 78 bord. cum dimid. Car.

Ibi 6 servi 7 piscar. Silva dimid. 6 mig 7 6 % lat. Ibi aunt
duEB Hai%. Valb 30 Sol. in tanto. Hanc tra ded. W. com.
Turetino flandrensi."

In Hezetre Hundred, k county of Hereford. Ralph Mortimer
holds Downton, and Oidelard of him. ^Irnar aud Ulcbet did
hold it, being 2 manors : Aad tbey are free to go whithersoever
they please. It conaiata of 4 Hides, two of which are not
assessed. In demesae are two Carucates and five villains and
3 borderers, with half of a Carucate. There are 6 servants and

T Tvo tumuli, apparently sepulchral, are to be seen on the flat land
near Harnton Court.

B The following returns complete the account of the population
down to the present time:— a.d. 1801—329; 1811—380; 1821—
426; 1831—472; 1841—478; 1851—481. This atatement, however,
includes part of the township of Upper Harpton, comprising three
houses and nineteen penons. — W. J. W.

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d I, Google

HISTOBT OP RADSOBHHiaE. 135

fishers. A moiety of a wood 6 miles long and 5 broad. There
are two parks, or iaclosures. It was valued ia tfae wb<;>)e at 30s.
This laaa.Earl William gave to Turstin, a Flemings. . ,
■ Eccletiattkal Account.

The cburcji of New Radnor is situated Dpoa an emi-
nence above the town, «di distant two miles and- a -half
south-west from Llanfihangel-nant-Moylyn, two miles
and a half Bputh-east from Old Radnor, and the same
distance north-east from Kinnerton Chapel. It consists
of a nave and aisle on the south side, separated from the
nave by five octagonal pilhurs supporting six pointed
arches, and a (Cancel. The partition that divides the
nave and chancel is a low timber frame under a. pointed
arch. On the south side of the nave are three windows,
containing each three lights, divided by stone muUions
under trefoil arches. A similar window is on the north
side, the arch of which consists of three quatrefoil lights.
The chancel contains three windows of Ordinary con-
struction. It also has a tower flanked by low buttresses,
and at present covered with a tiled roof, but was originally
higher, and, as appears by Speed's sketch of it taken in
the year 1610, embattled. The tower contains four lai^er
bells, and one smaller, with a clock. Its south side has
three ranges of lights. The lavacrum is on the south
side of the lateral aisles, which on the east appears to
have formerly contained a small chapel, entered by two
doors. Tlie internal length of the church is 24 yi^rds ;
its breadth, 11. Its length externally is 2^^ yards;
breadth, 13. The porch is of timber, but the entrance
into the church is under a pointed arch of stone.; and
opposite, to the entrance door is a lar^e hewn stone font.
The internal length of the chancel is 1 1^ yards ; breadth'
nearly 6 yards.

Upon the whole, this church, which, as Leland says,
was erected by William Bachefield imd Flory his wife,
bears many marks of antiquity, and appears to have been
constructed on a foundation coeval with t^e caatle; The
style of its windows corresponds with the order of archi-
tecture introduced in the reign of Edward III.

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136 mSTOEV OF RADNORSHIRE.

The raster commeDceB in the year 1643, from which
period to the year 1681 the entries are written in Latin.
The moat cunouB of the entries are the following : —

" Since the re-establiahmeat of the church of God in truth &
peace by the blessed return of the dread sovereign Lord Charles
II., by the grace of God, King of England, Scouand, & Ireland,
& France, defender of the faith, &c. By whose especial grace
and favour Robert Bidenell Clk was constituted and confirmed
rector of this parish of Mew Radnor, in the twelfth year of his
Majesty's reign : a.d. 1660."

"A.D. 1676. His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury sent
in the year above-written a letter of Inquiry to all the Clergy,
what number of persons there were in the several parishes, how
many recusants, how many sectaries. There were then in all,
Bmail and great, in this parish of New Radnor, four hundred and
five persons, of which forty nine were sectaries, recusants none.
Simon Jones, Rector."

" A.D. 1734. There were four hundred and sixteen persons in
the parish of New Radnor. Walter Williams, C. W.'*

" 1754. Nov'. 2, Bap. John Llewelyn, Son of CJorporal John
Wood of Sir Rob'. Rich's Dragoons by Elizabeth his wife. All
the soldiers of the Corps being in Nov'. 20, then on a detach-
ment and quart"* in this place at the request of Tho'. Lewis Esq'.
of Harpton to oppress the inhabitants : a thing never before
know in the memory of man, and for which he has incurred the
great displeasure of the country : Tho". Lewis, Rector."

There are no religious dissenters in this parish.^

On the south aide of the church, partly covered with
earth, were found two images, cut in stone; the one
resembling a warrior, clad m armour, holding a long
spear in his right band, and a shield in his left ; the other
a female. There is no inscription upon either. The
figures are two yards in length each. About seventy
years ago they lay flat upon the ground. It is probable
that they formed the ornamental sculpture of some tomb-
stones which have been demolished.

Charitable Donations.

A.D. 1668. Thomas Ecclestone by will gave £5 to the
poor, which is lost.

A chapel, belon^ng to the Calvioisfic Methodists, has recently
(1883) been erected in this town.

Digiized by Google

Di.itradb, Google

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HISTORY OF RADNORBHIRB.

John Bedirard, in 1688, by will gave £40 to the poor,
which IB also lost. This is cmled the Vron charity, being
settled on an estate called the Vron. Thomas Lewis, Esq.,
late of Harpton Court, deceased, by will has directed this
charity to be paid whenever the pansh can prove its claim.

Henry Smith, of the city of London, Esq., by indenture
dated the 24th day of April, 1627, duly enrolled in the
High Court of Chancery, settled and directed the pay-
ment of from four to five pounds a-year, the sum not
being fixed owing to repairs, kc., to be distributed
amongst the most indigent housekeepers and other in-
dustrious poor in the parish of New Radnor, payable
out of an estate and lands called Long^ey Farm, near
Gloucester, as a perpetual chari^.

John Green, of the city of Hereford, Crent., by will
dated the 10th day of December, 1788, in the Prerogative
Court of Canterbury, settled and directed the payment
of £300, the interest of which to be distributed as
follows: — "£10 a-year for ever to a charity school in
the parish of New Radnor, (viz., for fifteen boys from
New Radnor, and five boys from Glascwm,) and £3 a-
year for ever to be given in bread, monthly, amongst
the most indigent housekeepers and other industrious poor
in the said parish ; and the remainder to purchase pulpit,
desk, and fdtar cloths ; and also a hearse and a pall for
theparish of New Radnor."

Tmb two last donations are recorded on a benefaction
table suspended on the south side of the church, in the
front aisle, and they are duly administered.

John Hugh, time and manner unknown, left £50 to the
poor, the interest of which was for many years regularly
paid by Jeremiah Griffiths, of Downton ; but a dispute
arising between him and the parishioners, he deposited
£50 in the exchequer, till the parish could purchase land
with it, where it has remained for more than thirty-seven
years.

Richard Price, Esq., of Knighton, the representative
of this borough in parliament, gives £5 annually towards
the instruction of poor children. He also causes the sum

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138 BISTOBV OP RADNORSHIKB.

of £40 to be annually distribnted among the poor of this
parish.

lAxt of IncttmbenU.

A.D. A.V.

Bar. ThomulAkai 1640 Rev. John Jenkins 1708

Rbt. Hugh WBtking ISM RaT.John Pngh 1714

BsT. Robert BIdewdl 1660 Rev. DsTld WllUuni 1716

Bev. Simon Jones 1675 Rar. Cbambeclayne Dsvlea 1741

Bev. John Hergest 1683 Rev. ThotnM Lewis. 1746

Rev. John Bowells 1086 Bev. — Woodhouw. 1796

Bev. James Qwynne I6S2 Bev. Thomas Hodges. IBOO

Rev. Roger Qrifflth 1700 Bev. J. Harewelhar, D.D., Dean

of Herebrd 1B3S

OLD RADNOR.

This parish is denominated, in Welsh, sometimes
Maesyfed h^n, and sometimes Pen-y-craig. The former
name has been already interpreted. The latter is descrip-
tive of the situation of its church and palace, for it
anciently had a palace, viz., on the summit of a high
rock. It is bounded on the north by New Radnor, on
the east by the parish of Kington, on the south by Gla-
deatry, and on the west by Llaofihangel-nant-Moylyo.
It is a very extensive pansh, consisting of the several
townships of Bareland and Bur^, Ednol, Evenjobb and
Newcastle, Harpton and Woolpits, Lower Harpton, in the
county of Hereford, Kinnerton and Salford, Old Radnor
and Burlingjobb, Walton and Wymaston. It contains
seven manors, viz, — 1. Radnor Forest, of which T. F.
Lewis, Esq., of Harpton Court is the lord ; 2. Newcastle,
which belongs to the crown; 3- Bilmore, als. Stannier,
Jno. Morris, Esq. ; 4. Evenjobb, and Burlingjobb, of
which the Earl of Oxford is the lord ; 5. Bareland and
BurfU ; 6. Badland, belonging to the Earl of Oxford ;
7. Kinnerton, of which the Rev. John Rogers, rector of
Stowe, in the county of Salop, is the proprietor.

The antiquities still existing in this parish, though in
a mutilated form, are extremely interesting, and may be
referred to the druidical and Silurian ages. The four
upright stones at Hindwell deserve a priority of notice.

* Ejected by the republican sequestrators. The other dates refer to
the time of collation, respectively.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 139

Besides this relic of antiquity, there are three or four
others, which, though of a diflferent construction and use,
may be referred, if not to the druidical institution, yet to
the Silurian age, and indicate the military tactics and
civil jurisprudence of that people. On the road leading
from New Radnor to Walton are three tumuli, tommenau,
or barrows, placed triangularly ; one of them is* of a
considerable magnitude. These were for defence, and,
perhaps, for the sepulture of the hero who fell in battle
contiguously to the spot. To Old Radnor, tradition, in
some degree confirmed by history, assigns a castle, or
palace, the remains of which still exist, but in a very
mutilated condition. These consist of a circular piece of
ground, situated in a field on the south side of the church-
yard, from which it is separated by the road, and sur-
rounded by a deep fosse, or moat. This round area was
the base of a large barrow, or tumulus, which served as
the keep of the castle, or palace, that formed the super-
structure. This conjecture is warranted by the circum-
stance of foundations of buildings having been frequently
dug up in this place, as well as on the adjoining grounds,
which latter circumstance seems to verify the tradition,
that there once existed at Old Radnor a populous and
considerable town. The name also, viz., court-yard, in
the Welsh language, Uys, corroborates the tradition of
the existence of a castle, or palace, in which the ancient
reguli of this district resided, the outward apartment of
which was circular, and constituted the audience-hall, and
the court of judicature ; from this there extended, towards
the east, an oblong range of building, which was the
chief's own retirement ; and around this principal building
were others of various forms and dimensions, occupied by
his vassals and tenants.

These buildings of every kind and denomination fell
the victim of civil dissensions, and were destroyed in the
year 990, when the first historical mention is made of
Maesyfed, or Radnor, or Pen-y-craig, by the chroniclers
of Wales. At that time, they and the adjacent lands
belonged to Edwin, the son of Eineon, the son of Owen,

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140 BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

the SOD of Howell Dha. Edwin was also rightful heir
to the Principality of South Wales, the throne of which
had been vioiently seized by his usurping uncle Meredith,
the younger brother of his father Eineon, who perished
immaturely in the field. Edwin endeavoured to recover
his right by hiring, as was customary in those times, an
army* of Saxons and Danes, with the assistance of whom
he ravaged Meredith's territories in South Wales. To
retaliate these outrages upon Edwin, Meredith destroyed
with fire the buildings at Radnor, and ravaged in a
cruel manner the adjacent lands. Whether Maesyfed, or
Radnor, formed a part of the possessions of Elystan
Glodrydd, Lord of Fferllys and Moelynaidd, no docu-
ments appear to ascertain ; it certainly lay within the
limits ascribed to that chieftain, who undoubtedly left to
his son Cadwgan the whole of what is now compre-
hended under the name of Radnorshire. The Mercians,
or Saxons, had made no permanent settlement in this or
in any other part of the district, till after the second and
successful expedition of Elarl Harold into Wales, when
he took possession of what is now called Old Radnor,
and transferred the seat of his government to a place
more commodious in situation, which he named Radre-
nove, or New Radnor, expelling from the adjacent lands
the ancient occupiers, and substituting in their room his
followers and adnerents, who immediately imposed udod
the difierent townships of this parish new names, all of
which, Burfi^ alone excepted, which remained a British
post for some time after, are derived ftx>m Saxon origin.
And this is the era in which Radnor first began to be
distinguished by the epithets Old and New.

Camden entertained the opinion that Maesyfed h^n, or
Old Radnor, was anciently a place of very considerable
note, and that on its site stood the Roman city Magos,
where the commander of the Pacensian regiment, or
cohort, lay in garrison, under the Lieutenant of Britain,
in the reign of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger ;
and that m>m this circumstance the inhabitants of this
part of the district acquired the name of Magasets* and

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BI8T0RY OF KADNORBBIRB. 141

Magasetenses. That Old Radnor has been a place of
some celebrity the preceding paragraphs evince; but
every circumstance attached to it serves to show the ab-
surdity of supposing that a Roman garrison was ever
placed there. The fixing of Magos at Radnor is an idle
fiction supported by no argiiment whatever. Hoisley
says that no Roman road led to or from Old Radnor ; — -

f ranted. But there certainly was a military road of the
ilures which connected Radnor with their camps of
Burla, Cwm, and Newcastle. In Domesday Book, Rad-
nor is described by the general term Wasta^ by which is
meant, not land unappropriated, but land uninclosed, as
the greatest part of Wales at that time was. For ninety-
six years prior to the compilation of Domesday Book, the
lands of Radnor were the property of the great-grandson
of Howell Dha, King of all Wales.

It is not to be concealed that there exists a current
tradition, that the town and castle of Old Radnor were
demolished by Rhys ab Gruffudd, Prince of South Wales,
in the reign of King John; and that with these ruins
were erected the town and casde of New Radnor. But
this supposition is rejected by all historians, who concur
in asserting that New Radnor was first formed by Earl
Harold in 1064.

The other remains of antiquity by which this parish is
distinguished consist of military positions, or camps.
The principal of these are two, viz., BuWa and New-
castle. The former is situated on the river Hindwell, and
distant about a mile east from the church of Old Radnor.
The latter on the road from Presteigne to New Radnor,
contiguous to a place called Beggar's Bush.

The principal landed proprietors of this parish are T.
Frankland Lewis, Esq., member of parliament for Beau-
maris. His seat is at Harpton Court, situated on the
western side of the turnpike road leading from New
Radnor to Walton, or Well-town. Hampton, in ancient
times, belonged to a family of the name of Vaug^an,
descended from Eineon Clyd, Lord of Eltael, who was the

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143 HISTORY OF RADNORSBIRB.

son of Madoc, the son of Idnerth, the son of Cadwgan,
the son of Elystan Glodrydd.

The manor or reputed manor of Bilmore, otherwise
Stanner, purchased by Mr. Morris of Mr. James Poole
in 1789, who purchased it of Mr. Harford Jones in 1781,
who purchased of Jno. Watkins, and Mary Ann Addison
Smith, London ; some lands detached belonged to Stephen
Comyn. Harford Jones married Elizabeth Brydges,
daughter of Elizabeth Bridges, of Colwall, and John, &c.,
of London, 1760, two Harfords before the present one;
1713, Colonel James Jones; Brydges, 1729; Harford
Jones married Elizabeth Brydges in 1730.
LorcU of the Manor of Bilmore.

1719. Colonel James Joom ITSO. fiarlbrd Jodcs

17S0. BrjdgBB 1781. Jamai Poole, bj pnTchue

1730. Harford Jones, by marriage 1789. John Uorria, by parehase

Some detached lands were purchased by Harford Jones
of Jno. Watkins and Mary Anne Addison Smith, which
belonged to Stephen Comyn.

EceleiiiMical Account.

The church of Old Radnor is erected upon a rock.
Hence its name in the British or Silurian language, viz.,
Pen-y-craig, is significantly expressive of its situation, on
the northern side of a lofty eminence. It is a venerable
edifice, consisting of a chancel. In which have been
chantries, a nave, and two aisles, an embattled tower,
with three ranges of lights on each side, one in each
range, containing six bdls, and a staircase turret on the
north-west side. The roof is ceiled with oak, on which
are carved the armorial bearings of the ancient Lords of
Radnor. The beautiful screen extends entirely across the
nave and aisles.

The area of the nave and aisles is paved with tiles
of an hexagonal figure, and decorated with the figures of
birds, the representation of crests and arms, and other
fanciful devices. These are to be met with in some
dwelling-houses in the town of Presteigne, and especially

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 143

in the babitations uBually reserved for the use and accom-
modation of the judges of assize.

There also stands on the north side of the chancel a
richly carved old case of an organ, despoiled of its pipes.
The old bellows lies in the chantry behind. At the east
end of the south aisle are several monuments dedicated to
the memory of the family of Lewis of Harpton Court, in
this parish ; more particularly that of the late Thomas
Lewis, Elsq., commonly known by the name of the Old
Burgess Lewis, because he not only lived to a great age,
viz., eighty-three years, but also because he represented
this borough in parliament eight successive parliaments,
from the year 1714 to the year 1768.

No document or memorial exists which might ascertain
the precise era in which this church was erected.

The benefice of Old Radnor is a rectory and vicarage,
with the chapels of Kennarton and Ednol annexed.
Kennarton is the Querentune mentioned in Domesday
Book, as belonging to Osbem, the son of Richard. The
Dean and Chapter of Worcester, in whom are vested the
whole of the tithes, are the patrons. For in the reign of
Henry VIIL, both the patronage of the church, and the
tithes of the parish of Old Radnor, which came to the
crown by the accession of the Lord of Moelynaidd to the
throne of England in the person of Edwml IV., were
granted by the foreign sovereign to the reverend the Dean
and Chapter of Worcester, for the purpose of augmenting
their income. Ever since that time, the whole of the tithes
have been let by lease, renewable every seventh year,
to a lay gentleman resident in the neighbourhood. The
present lessee is T. Frankland Lewis, Esq., of Harpton
Court, at a low rent, out of which is paid the salary of
the vicar.

Litt of Incumhmtt.

A.D. *■»■

Thomas Powell 1809 H. F. Mogridge, M.A 1834

Population,
A.D. 1801—1243; 1811—1220; 1821—1331; 1831

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144 HHROHV OF lUDHOBSHIRB.

—1526; 1841—1603; 1851—1263. Part of the town-
ship of Upper Harpton, coDtaining twentv-four houses
and 124 persons, is in ^e parish of LiaonhaDgel-nant-
Moylyn, in this sub-district, but is here returned as in
1841.'

PELBSTBIGKB, WalUcB, LUMAHDBAB.

The etymology of this name has given rise to a variety
of conjectures, as widely differing from each other as
they seem to do from the truth. Some contend that it is
of Saxon origin, and ought to be written Preston, signi-
fying priest town. But what was there in any age of a
singularly sacerdotal or monastic character about the
place? Besides, Presteigne had no existence during the
Saxon Heptarchy. It was not then in being.

Others deduce the name from the Welsh language,
viz., Prysg-duoo, the translation of which is black copses.
The objections to this etymology are, Jirst, the ungram-
maticaf connection of the compound Prysg-duon, violating
an essential rule of syntax ; secondli/, its unappropriate
designation ; and, lastly, because the place already has a
Welsh name, viz., Llanandras, in constant use, and there
appears no reason for multiplying its appellations, which
would lead to confusion.

The truth is, Presteigne was not in existence, nor
known to the Welsh and Saxons, anterior to the Norman
invasion, for no mention of It occurs in Domesday Book.
In that national record notice is taken of every ^ace by
which it is surrounded, together with the names of the
proprietors, and the extent of the property.

" Id Hezetre Hundred, Osbern, son of Richard, holds and did
bold Bradelege (Bradnor, containiog 1 hide); Tideg;e (Titley, 3
bides) ; Bruatune (Brampton, 1 bide) ; Cbenille (Kmll, 2 hides) -
Hercope (Hyop, half of a hide); Hertune (Hereton, 3 hides)
Hech (Heath, 1 hide); Clatertune (Clatterbrook, 2 hides) |
Querentune (Kionerton, 1 bide); Discote (Discoed, 3 hides)
Cascope (Cascob, half of a hide)."

^ The returna for this parish, and the iDeer^on of other corrections,
are due to the kiodness of the Rev. Walter Jones Williams, M.A.

w Google

HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 145

Mention is also made of Pilleth, Norton, Weston, &c. ;
whilst Presteigne itself is passed by unrecorded and an-
noticed. And the reason of this can be no other than
because, prior to the time in which Domesday Booh was
published, Presteigne had no distinct and separate name
of its own, but was included in, and formed a part of*
the several hamlets here specified. At the time of the
publication of Domesday Book, Presteigne had not an
existence — it was not in being ; and Clatterbrook, Discoed,
Heath, and Hereton, possessed the pre-eminence. At
present these have faJlen from their original superiority,
holden in a comparatively inferior estimation, and ab-
sorbed in the name Presteigne ; whilst the latter has not
only emerged from its original obscurity, and sprung
from its state of non-existence, but also lifled up its head
far above them all, and become the metropolis of the
county of Radnor.

From the preceding statement, it is evident that, for
the derivation of the name Presteigne, we must not look
to the Saxons. To what people then is this name to be
ascribed ? Most assuredly to the Norman usurpers, from
whose practices and institutions the name Presteigne
springs. Whatever lands these Norman hunters chose to
denominate wastes, they declared should be forests. There
are in the county three of their forests, viz., Radnor,
BlaiddfS., and Cefn-y-Uys, which formerly were more
extensive than at present. On these forests their tenants
and vassals bad the liberty to depasture their cattle, on
paying a certain rate for the privilege, which rate,
mutatis mutandis, exists to this day. To collect and
receive this rate particular officers must have been ap-
pointed, who would naturally fix their abode in places
contiguous to these forests. The situation of the town of
Presteigne, built at the foot of the royal forest of Radnor,
and in the vicinity of the forest of Blaiddf^, was an
advantage not easily to be overlooked or neglected. Nor
is its name less applicable to this purpose. It is a com-
pound word, of Norman Latin, and is derived from
" Presa," the fee for depasturing cattle on the royal wastes,

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142

SOD o:
the s(i
Th.
Stami'
in 17b
who I
Smitli,
Corny I
daugli
of Loi
1713, ,
Jones I

1718. Co:

1789. —

1790. Hf.

Son
of Jno
belong

The
Hence
Pen-y-
the no)
edifice,
chantri
with t
range,
north- 1
are car
Radno'
nave at

The
of an h
birds,
fencifu
dwellii

— z:-*^ *

ly Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

T

The Butt«r-Hotiae, Knighton.

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146 HISTORY OF RADNOI^HIRE.

and " Teigni," officers. So that the first colonizers and
inhabitants of Presteigne were foresters, officers appointed
to collect and receive the royal revenue arising from the
herbage of the forests.

The parish of Presteigne is very extensive, containing
not fewer than six large townships, viz., Presteigne, in
the county of Radnor, and Stapleton, Willey, Brampton,
Rodd, and Nash, and Combe, in the county of Hereford.
Its situation in respect of the adjoining parishes is nearly
as follows: — On the east and south-east sides are Lingen,
Kinsam, and Byton ; on the south and south-west are
Stanton, Titley and Knill ; on the west and north-west.
Old Radnor, Cascob and Whitton; on the north and
Dortb-east, Norton and Brampton-Brian. It extends
eight miles in length, and seven miles in breadth. The
quantity of acres it contains cannot be exactly known, as
^e form of the parish in many places is much indented
and irregular. Two-thirds of the common lands re-
main still uninclosed, and no certain measure of them is
known.

Near the town of Presteigne, on the south-east quarter,
is Clatterbrook, named in Domesday Clattertutie, where
formerly stood a town in a situation seemingly preferable
to Presteigne, for it is sheltered from all obnoxious winds.
This is supposed to be the Clatterbrigg, or Claftsbrigg,
where Gruffudd, the victorious Prince of Wales, put to
death the prisoners he took in the sacking of Hereford,
viz., the bishop, sheriffs and other persons of distinction.

On one of the adjacent eminences, called Warden,
situated on the north-west side of the town, it is reported
a castle anciently stood, of which no remains are at
present visible. Stapleton Castle was the residence of
Elias Walwyn, the associate of Sir Edmund Mortimer,
of Wigmore, He was extremely active and instrumental
in betraying and slaying the unfortunate Llewelyn ab
Giruffudd, the last Prince of Wales, in the neighbourhood
of Buallt, in Brecknockshire, in the year 1282.

Another spot in this valley, entitled to historical notice,
is at a little distance from the town of Presteigne, on the

.d by Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

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Di.itradb, Google

HISTORY OP BADNORSHIRB. 147

road leading to Leominster, and to this day denominated
Market Lane, Broken Cross, Chicken Lane, &c. The
reason of these several denominatioDS is this: in the
years 1610, 1636 and 1637, the inhabitants of this parish
and town were victims of a disease at once loathsome and
destructive. A great and alarming mortality ensued.
So excessive was the horror conceived of this disease, and
such the precaution used to g^ard against its contagion,
that nobody cared to approach near to the scene of in-
fection. The business and intercourse of the town and
parish were suspended. The market was removed from
the town to the place before described ; thither the country
people brought necessaries, such as prepared provisions,
medicines, changes of linen, &c., left them, and departed.
As soon as they were gone, the infected came, and distri-
buted the articles thus brought for them. This dreadful
situation at length excited the commiseration of gentle-
men of rank and power ; and Sir Robert Harley, and
John Vaughan, Esq., magistrates of the county of Here-
ford, issued the following precept and warrant, directed
to the chief constables of the hundred of Wigmore, and
to either of them : —

" Forasmuch as the Lord hath visited the neighbourhood of
the Town of Presteigne, within the county of Radnor, with that
grievous infection of the Plague : And now being certified from
two of the Justices of the Peace of the same county, of the
poverty of the inhabitants thereof, &c. These are therefore, by
virtue of an act of Parliament made in the first year of the reign
of King James, of famous memory, for the charitable relief and
the ordering of persons infected with the plague, to will and
require you to collect and gather weekly within the feudal rights
and townships underwritten, within your hundred, the sums on
them assessed ; and the same to pay to John Price of Combe,
Gent., at his dwelling house there, every Friday weekly, and to
begin the payment uiereof upon Friday next ensuing the date
hereof. And if any person or persons do refuse to pay such
sum or sums of money, as shall on them be assessed, that then
you certify to us, or some of our fellow Justices of the peace of
tbia county, that further order may be taken therein, either for
distress for the same, or for the imprisonment of the bodies of
the parties refusing according to the tenour of the said Act.

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148 HISTORY OF RIDHORBHIRX.

Thereof bil you Dot the due petfonntuice, as you will answer the
contrary at your perils. Dated at Pembridge, under our hands
and seals, the Twentieth of September 1636.

Ro. Hahlet (L. S.)
John Vadohan (L. S.)

K. d. M. d.

Stapl^xn fi a 'ntlaypariah 5

Wille? 3 HoDldtey Waples StanloD 6

Uppar EineDm 2 Lelnlwardine parlBh 6

Rod, Nub and BnmptM) 10 Brampton psrUh 3 7

Combe and BjiiiD 9 Wlgmore parish .. " '

Leintball pBrigh 3 7

KdIU and Barton 4 AyrngtrTpariih 6

Litton and Caacob 6 Lingen parish 3

There is also a third place in this valley, surpassing all
the rest in singularity of occurrence, and Dot less de-
serving of historical perpetuity. This is called the
" King's Turning," by which is meant the turning out,
or departing, from the straight road by King Charles I.
la the time of the great rebellion, after the fatal loss of
the battle of Naseby, in the year 1645, the royal cause
declined rapidly. The king had come into the Marches of
Wales for the purpose of recruiting his army among the
loyal inhabitants ; he was closely pursued by his enemies,
yet safely conducted by Sir David Williams, of Gwerny-
fed, to Radnor, where he slept one night. The following
morning he marched to Hereford ; and on the succeeding
day came from thence through Leominster and Weobley,
to the neighbourhood of Presteigne, and slept two suc-
cessive nights at the Lower Heath, in this parish, in a
house beloi^ing to Nicholas Taylor, Esq. Having by
this halt sufficiently eluded his pursuers, he resumed his
march, but " turned " or changed the line of his route,
by riding from hence over the hills to Norton, Knighton,
Newtown, Chirk Castle, and so on to Chester.

On this occasion is reported a traditionary tale in this
parish, which, as it is an additional confirmation of the
courage and loyalty which the inhabitants of this county
universally evinced during the time of the great rebellion,
deserves to be recorded for the example and benefit of suc-
ceeding ages. Numerous were the obstructions with which
they impeded the progress of the kiug's pursuers ; and

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BISTORT OF RADNOBSHIRB. 149

among other devices, the deception of false intelligence was
practised. Determiaed to punish this malignancy, the
republican soldiers had recourse to plunder and oppression.
On a certain day, whilst Mr. Legge, of Willey Court, and
all his male domestics, were occupied in the hay-field,
these reforming marauders took the opportunity of pil-
laging his house, and brutally treating the females that
were preparing dinner for the labourers. Mr. Legge,
wondering that the dinner was so long protracted beyond
the usual nour, returned to his house to know the cause,
and found it completely plundered, and his domestics
bitterly lamenting the base usage they had received. His
indignation stimulated him to immediate revenge. He
assembled his workmen, who armed themselv^ with
pitch-forks, and, commencing at their head a pursuit, he
overtook the villains, attacked them without hesitation,
killed one on the spot, and wounded and dispersed the
rest. The pitch-fork with which the soldier was run
through the body, and nailed to the ground, remained
for many years with the family a favourite relic, and was
as singular in its formation as in the use to which it was
then applied, for the tine was feisteaed to the steel by a
screw. The instrument has been seen by many aged
persons now living, who relate the story, or the achieve-
ment.

The manor of Presteigne was anciently holden of the
priory of Limbrook. At the dissolution it was seized
by King Henry VIII., and annexed to the crown, or to
the eldest sons of the Kings of England. In the year
1649 a survey was made of -the manor of Presteigne,
with the rights, members and appurtenances thereof, late
parcel of the possessions of King Charles I., by virtue of
a commission granted upon an act of the Commons of
England assembled in parliament, for sale of honours,
manors and lands belonging heretofore to the late king,
queen and prince, under the hands and seals of five or
more of the trustees in the said act nominated and ap-
pointed. The following is the inventory then published : —

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150 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

£ ». V.
llie quit rents due to the afbreeaid manor in free soccagetennre are 7 2 11
Court barons and court leets, fines and amadaments, upon

alienation, &c 4 10

Heriota due communibus annis 4

Tolls belon^ng to market and bir day are comm. ann. 12 10

OfiriuchtoUsapartisgranted to Sir Edmund 8aw7er,Em^t... 2
The olhtJpart on market daya said to be granted to tlie BaHiff... 10
Hartley Wood, contiuning 1^ estimation 40 acres, bounded west-

by-DOrth by Mer ; nortli by Elias Taylor ;
Noitb Wood, west by mountains ; north by E. and N. Mer ; 240
acres ; value of both per acre, 3s. ; improvement of both above

the rent reserved per annum, is „ 38

The last mentioned premises were leased to Sir Thomas Trevor
for 99 years, for the use of the then Prince of Wales, 14 Jac
10th Januaiy. The mountainous land b^ween the highway to
Discoed, and Ruddock's land, from the lands of Walter Gomey
to those of Evan Vaughan, containing about 60 acres, was
conveyed to Mrs. Taylor, valued per acre, 3s.

So the vaJue above the reserved rent is 8 18 10

The advowson to the parsonage is in the lord of the manor, worth
jCSOO per annum; present incumbent, John Skull, a^ 70.
Edward Price, of Knighton, leased the Great Close at Gomey,
lying between the highway to Discoed and Ruddock's land,
late parcel of the Earl of Marche's lands, to Edward Gcamey
from 2dtfa March, 1584, for 20 years, at the rent of 18d. per
annum; expired in 1604.
Thomas Price, Ar., leased the said lands to Hugh Lewis, Ar.,
from 1604 for 21 years, at I8d. per annum; expired 1625.
And from that time, M^vdith Morgan, Ar., leased the same to
Sir Edmund Sawyer, Enight, for 40 years, which expired 1605.
Meredith Moi^n passed his time to Nicholas Taylor, Ar., at
the BaJd yearly rent, fifteen years of which are yet to come.
Then follows a list of the common freeholders, chiefly owners of

premises in the town of Presteigne, total of which is 7 2 2

Ao abstract of the present rents, future improvements, and all
other profits of the said manor of Presteigne : —

The quit rents and royalties 11 12 11

The rents upon the several leases holden

Total amount of the present profits per annum 19 14 1

The yeariy value of the heriots is 4

Hemots in Presteigne due to the representatives of the Dean of

Windsor 10

Tolls of the markets and fiurs to theB^liff

Eents of assize leased to Robert Daviea, ef din 3 4)

Do. do. JohnCooke 4 ij

Crown lands, Edward Price, tenant 19 10

Tenement in Presteigne, Louisa Price, tenant 2

Bo. in Ave Mary Lane, Presteigne, Jno. Hancocke, el alii,

tenants 3J

Tenement in Presl^gne, — Clarke, tenant

Do. do. Earl of Powis, tenant 1)

Do. do. Evan Meredith, Esq., tenant 1^

Do. do. Duke of Ghaudos, tenant 2

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIBB.

Concealed land in Frastcigne, called FrieUi, Dean of IVindaer,

tenant I 3

The yearly Talue of tolla of marketa and laira 12 10

The unprovement of the seTeral leases ui 42 18 10

Total amount of the future improvements per annom is 79 2 11

Bs.perWilL W*b, ■ - ;- -: Jobs ItlBaxorr,

Supr. GenL Fetbr Pricb,

1649. Jo. Lmiii).

The present lord of the manor of Presteigne is the Earl
of Oxford.

This parish exhibits no traces of ancient military posi-
tions — a proof of its more recent occupation and culture ;
but is surrounded on all sides by camps of importance
and magnitude, viz., Newcastle, Burfa, Wapley, &c.

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a considerable manu-
factory of woollen cloth, which afforded employment to a
numerous poor, was established and conducted with great
success by John Beddowes, Esq., a gentleman as eminent
for his charity as for his industry. From tbis period the
town of Presteigne rapidly increased in the number of its
inhabitants and of its houses. For carrying on this busi-
ness several ranges of back buildings were erected in
Harper's Street, on the right side oiF the Broad Street,
and on the left of the High Street, and vestiges of several
fullers' mills still remain in the vicinity of the place. It
appears also from the register, that 250 years ago the
population of the town exceeded the present by one five
in twenty. Notwithstanding this apparent prosperity,
when the sickness of 1636 invaded Presteigne, the inha-
bitants were unable to support themselves, and they be-
came objects of the commiseration and charity of the
surrounding townships.

Presteigne is a borough by prescription, and was for-
merly, it is said, one of the contributory boroughs of
New Radnor. How it came to lose its elective franchise,
whether by petition on the score of inability to contribute
to the salary of its representative, or by forfeiture, or
whether it ever enjoyed this privilege, are matters of
equal uncertainty. In the year 1690, the burgesses of

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152 HISTOHT OF RADNOBSHIRE.

Presteigne claimed a right of voting at the election of a
member to serve in parliament for the borough of New
Radnor, when Sir Robert Harley and Sir Rowland
Gwynne were candidates ; and, on being rejected by the
returning officer, they presented a petition to tlie House
of Commons. In the same year the house determined
that the right of election for the borough of New Radnor
was in the burgesses of Radnor, Rhayader, Cnwclas,
Knighton, and Cefn-y-Uys only, and consequently their
claim was disallowed. This resolution has ever since
been considered as law. It is governed by a bailiff, who
is not elected by the inhabitants, but nominated and im-
posed upon them by the steward of Cantref Moelynaidd.
So that the good people of this town may still boast, as
their ancestors did formerly, of being governed by the
King of England, who nominates the steward of Cantref
Moelynaidd, and the latter nominates the bailiff who
-governs the town of Presteigne. The Great and Quarter
Sessions are holden here, as also the County Courts
(instead of Rhayader, which forfeited thera), alternately
with New Radnor.

Cock-fighting was formerly a favourite and popular
diversion, pursued by gentlemen of figure and respecta-
bility. About the middle of the last century, a main of
cocks was fought at the Oak Inn, in Broad Street, in this

town, for a considerable wager, by

Esq., of Boultibrook, in this parish, and

Baslterville, Esq., of Aberedw Court, in the parish of
Aberedw, in this county, and added one to the many fatal
instances of ungoverned passion which the partaking of
this brutal and barbarous diversion never fails to kindle
and inflame. High words arose betwixt the two con-
tending parties ; they withdrew into the yard of the inn
to settle their dispute : swords were drawn, and the for-
mer gentleman was run through the body, and died on
the spot. The bringing of weapons so dangerous to such
a place can only be accounted for on the score that a
personal combat had been previously concerted by the
parties. The Baskervilles were desperate fellows at pink-

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HISTORY OF RADNOB8HIRB. 153

ing their opponentB. Sir Ralph Baskerville, of Aberedw
Court, and Lord Clifford, of Clifford Castle, near the
town of Hay, quarrelled about the limits of their respec-
tive estates, and fought (1270) on the Radnorshire bank
of the Wye, when the latter was slain. It is supposed by
several that the huge sculptured stone in the church-yard
of Llowes was erected in commemoration of this battle.
Sir Ralph obtained a pardon from the Pope, not for
killioff his man in a fair duel, but for fighting in the
church-yard — an act of the most enormous profanation.

Eccletiasticat Account.
The church of Presteigne consists of a nave, two aisles,
a chancel, a tower, and a vestry. The aisle on the south
side is separated from the nave by eight octagonal pillars,
sustaining seven pointed arches ; the aisle on the north
side by six octagonal pillars and two circular columns.
The entrance from the nave into the chancel is under a
high pointed arch, which is not exactly in the centre of
the present church. The aisle of the chancel is divided
from it by three octagonal pillars supporting two pointed
arches. On the capitals of the different pillars are sus-
pended the crests of Owen, Bradshaw, Cornewall, and
Taylor, heretofore the most respectable and opulent in-
habitants of this parish. The families of the former, and
also of Price, are commemorated on marble monuments
fixed to the east wall of the greater chancel, between
which, and over the communion-table, is placed an altar-
piece of curiously wrought tapestry, representing the en-
trance of Christ into Jerusalem. The arch between the
church and chancel is decorated with the figures of Moses
and Aaron ; and on the opposite end are delineated Time
and Death, the tvrants of the whole human race. On
each side of the altar-piece is a very elegant oak pillar of
the Corinthian order, and on a monument fixed against
the north wall of the chancel is the following remamible
inscription : —

" Here lietli the body of Francis Owen, of Brampton, in this
parish, Qent. He died March 12th, 1686, aged 80,. who bad the

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154 BISTORT OF EADHOnSniRB.

happiness not only to see, but to cohabit with, his fotber, erand-
femer, and great-grandfather, from whence he was lineally de-
scended ; and as many generations issuing from his loins, in a
lineal descent downwards, viz., his son, grandson, and great-
grandson : he himself making the sevnith generation of hta
femily in his own memory and nouse of Brampton."

Walter Devere'ux, Earl of Ferrars, was Chief Justice of
South Wales in the reign of Henry VIII. He was pos-
sessed of several estates in the county of Radnor, and
among others Pipton, in the parish of Gladestry, and the
rectory of Presteigne, and the great tithes of Norton, an
adjoining parish. Being also lord of Tamworth, he is
supposed to be the person at whose expense the south
side of Presteigne Church was erected. His arms were
— Argent, on a chevron engrailed azure, two griffins
combatant of the first, collared gules, hoofed and langued
gules, on a chief of the second three mullets pierced or.
He was executed in the year 1554, in the reign of Queen
Mary, for the ostensible crime of high treason, but really
on account of the favour he showed to the Protestant
religion.

The tower is square, flanked at the angles with shelving
buttresses, embattled at top, with pinnacles at the four
comers, and a cupola supporting a weather-cock. It has
three ranges of windows, with two lights in each, and
contains a clock, chimes, and six musical bells, on which
are the following inscriptions : —

" I. — A.D. 1717. Prosperity to the Church of England.

" II. — Ahraham Rudhatl, of Gloucester, cast ua aU.

" III, — ^Peace and good neighbourhood.

"IV.— Samuel Sandford, Rector, a.d. 1717.

"V.— A.D. 1717. William Jones, Richard Pugh, Timothy
Haswell, James Ashley, churchwardens.

" VI.—- Me resonare jubet pietaa, mors, atque voluptas."

It has also two sun dials, and is about 60 feet high.
The tower originally stood in a separate situation from
the old church, as evidently appears from the particular
mode of its construction, and, irom the different style of
its architecture, seems to have been built at different times.
The old church ascended in height only to the first story.

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mSTORT OP RADNORSHIRE. 156

The chancel' was built against the upright waHe of the
former fabric by Mo*rtimer, lord of Wigmore, in the
reign of Edward I., soon after the royal grant 6f Moely-
naidd and Elfael received confirmation, "who by this act
of munificence endeavoured to conciliate the affections of
his new vassals. ■'

There remains no existing record to authenticate the
assertion that this south aisle was built by Lord Tam-
worth ; but it is founded on the mere tradition of the
inhabitants. The lordship of Tamworth Castle is a title
almost coeval with the conquest, and was conferred on
Robert de Marmion, Lord of Fontney, in Normandy,
who came into England with the Conqueror. Thecastle
of Tamworth, and the territory adjacent, had been the
royal demesnes of the Saxon kings. This title, passing
through the families of De Marmion, De Freviile, De
Ferrars, and of Northampton, successively, was conveyed
by the marriage of Lady Charlotte Corapton, the only
surviving issue of James, fifth Earl of Northampton, in
the year 1751, to the Hon. George Townshend, eldest son
and heir to Charles, third Viscount Townshend, of Rayn-
ham, in the county of Norfolk. The noble' family of De
Ferrars having intermarried with the powerful families of
De Braosf, Lord of Brecknock and Buallt, and of Morti-
mer, Elarl of Marche and Wigmore, respectively, became
possessed of considerable estates and several castles in
the county of Hereford, and on the borders tf Radnor-
shire. A part of this property, consisting of tithes leased
to Richard Price, Esq., representative in parhament- for
the borough of Radnor, at present belongs to Townshend,
Lord de Ferrars, the heir of that house. His arms are
quarterly of six, — -l. Azure, a chevron' enntnc, between
three escallop shells art^cnf (Townshend). 2. France and
England, quarterly, within a border argent (Plantagenet
of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester). 3. Sable, a Hon of
England, between three helmets, proper, garnished or
(Compton). 4. Paly of six, or and azure, a canton
ermine (Shirley). 5. Quarterly, 1 and 4 argent, a fess
gulest three torteaux in chief (Devereux) ; 2 and 3, Varre

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1S6 HISTOHT OF RADNORSHIRE.

OT and gules (Ferrars of ChartlCT). 6. Grules, seven
mascles conjoined, 3, 3, and 1 (FerraTB of Groby and
Tamworth.) The arms of Townshend, Ferrare of Chart-
ley, and Ferrars of Groby and Tamworth, are sculptured
on the three buttresses which flank the south front of the
church. Two of them are defaced by the injuries of time
and weather, the middle only remains visible, which is
that of Townshend. The crest of Ferrars of Tamworth
was, — on a wreath an unicorn passant ermine, armed,
hoofed, maned and tufted or.

In the year 1604, in the reign of James"!., Sir Robert
Harley, the only surviving son of Thomas Harley, Esq.,
was made forester of Bringewood Forest, with a salary of
£6 2s. 8d. per annum, with the pokership, £1 10s. 5d.
per annum, and also forester of Prestwood, 18s. per
annum. Query, if Prestwood be the same with Pres-
teigne.

The church-yard is a spacious and extensive area, con-
taining about half of an acre of land, and accommodated
with gravel walks, planted on each side with trees. The
walk on the north side of the church is 130 yards long,
and eight broad, where lately flourished a grand avenue
of fine sycamore trees, which were felled and sold by an
avaricious rector of this church. On the right hand of
the walk that leads to the grand entrance into the church,
which is an arched porch sustaining the tower, stands a
mutilated stone cross.

This is, perhaps, the most valuable benefice in all South
Wales, being worth, at a moderate calculation, £ 1000 per
annum. The late rector, the Rev, John Harley, advanced
its income to £1500 per annum. It consists of a vicarage
and rectory united, with the chapelry of Discoed annexed.
The rector enjoys all the tithes of every denomination of
this well cultivated and extensive parish. Formerly the
vicarial and rectorial tithes were disunited, and possessed
by diflerent persons. For in the eighth year of the reign
of King Charles I., the Rev. John &:ull was presented to
the vicarage only ; hut in the fifteenth year of the reign
of King Charles I., the impropriate tithes of this pariUi,

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE. 157

being forfeited to the crown by the feoffees of St. Antho-
line's, London, who purchased impropriations to maintain
and establish factious and seditious lectures, were by royal
letters patent given to the said Rev. John Scull, D.B.,
the first clerical rector of this church, and to his suc-
cessors for ever, in puram eleemosynam, for the good of
the souls of the parishioners of the said parish. This
royal grant was procured bv Mr. Scull at a considerable
expense, aided by the friendly advice and interest of Lord
Willoughby, so that he became the greatest benefactor to
this church since its foundation. But in the despotic
administration of the Rump Parliament, he was deprived
of all the emoluments of his living, and died in extreme
poverty in the year 1652. The income of this rectory
was, by a set of hypocritical parliamentary rascals, under
the influence of Oliver Cromwell, given to one Knowles,
an Anabaptist, and Lucas, a London tailor, and enjoyed
by them till the day when Oliver's carcase was exhibited
at Tyburn. In the first year of the restoration of King
Charles IL the said rectory was again bestowed upon the
church, to which in the same year was presented the Rev.
Philip Lewis, A.M., the second clerical rector of this
benefice. This account is extracted from the register
book, of the parish.

n gratiam

" Joannea Scull, Baccal. in Sacr. Theolog. impenaia ter centum librarum et
ope domini et comitis de Willoughby, (cui erat a aacris) obtinuit ab optJmo,
et in ecclcfflam muniflcentigsimo, r^ Carolo primo, rectoriaja impropriatam
ecclesice dc Presteigne in puram elomosynam ; uoc eat, effedt ut piis^mns rex
per Uteras palcntes conatituerit ex rectoria impropriata et vicaria priua
existente, (cujua vicarius erat dictus Joannes Scull) imam indlTiduatam et
coDsoUdatam rectoriam pnescntatiTam, &c. ut ex literis patentibua constat
Quas literas patentes videat licet, cujua interait. (In the third part of the
originals of the fifteenth jear of KJng Charles I., transcribed out of the High
Court of ChaDceiy, and remaimng in the custody of the Treasurer's Kemem-
brancer in the Exchequer, c. vii. BolL) Joannes dictus denominatua erat in
iatla Uteris rector eccleaiat dict£c, ct impcrturbatus ita rcmanait, donee (usque)
in Carolo primo cecidit eccleaia Anglicana, ia eaque rectoria do Presteigne ;
nam atrum et sacrilegum nomine Parliamentum, Bed re conTCntio diabolica,
concesait roctoris; de Preateigno revermonem, tei reventus, parochianis de St.
Anthling factio^ssimis Londini. Sic exutus est rectoria rector mcritissimus
do'iua SiuU, et fit Presteigne rectcda pneda sacrilcgis de St. Anthling,
( ) James de Trippleton, aliiaque : Interim moritur ex mserore

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156 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

pndeoeesor mens dolns Scnll, deatitnttu, deveatitaa, et damdatni onudbtis

sub et benefidia, et offiinis. Sit mbi pax. Optime meruit de hac eccleaia, et
de omnibiu qui a Buccesserint : Id memoruunque ejus luec apposui gratna

" Huic divino et reTeread, Tiro suirogarimt perduelHones sacrilegi KuDfrleti,
Descio quem oDftbaptist&Di) et Lucas, sartoxeDi LoDdiDeuBeiD) quorum uominA

" Tandem ecclesise AnglicancB conculcata, et exnlantia regis, et djreptie
plebis, et evcrsaruiu legum uiisertus Optimus Masimafi restituit et tlirono et
nobis Carolam secundum 29° MaJi annoque Ud 1660.

" Boquo aimo benerolentia erga me moti primi Fuocbiaai de. Frestcdgne,
imprinuB Thomas Ecclestone me monuere, imo adegenmt, ut me Reqfa
eerenisami pedibus sapplicem ofieirem, et eorum nomine (nam etiam supplices
eo literas composuerat amicus meus Frauciscus i^chards, quibus omnes alii
subscripserant paroduani) peterem ad rectoriam de Presteigne nunc vacantem
Fnesentationem.

" Excitatua ergo eorum votds adii Aulam, supplices libeUos ope viri (mihi
luque colendi, cui, qnicquid sum debeo,) Reverendisami Doctoris Geor^
Morle^, nunc Episcopi Wlntonienais, (cui etiam sum CapeUaaua,) obtuH R^i,
qui gratiose "lihi rectoriam dictam concessit, ad eamque me pmsentavit :
Multum quidem uegoldi mibii fecere £dw. Hariey, Britton, aliique competi-
torea, aed illis non obstantibua 6" die Mensis August! anno 1 660 admissus
sum ad Ticariam de Presteigne cum impropriates awxa annexatis doUbus per
Doctorem Cliaworte Vicarium Generalem. Cum Jurisp^ti me monuissent
Fnesentationem ad rectoriam nomine pnesentationis renovare, id quoque
obtinui et perfeci et tandem SI*" die Octobris anno 1664 inductus sum ad rec-
toriam eecWte parocMalis de Preat«igne per Rever. in Ciuisto Fatrem Herb.
Hereford, sit laua Deo. Geore. Winton. GUbert Londin. Johan. Sarieb. Docto.
Gibbs, Joiian. Richards. NichoL Taylor. Evan. Davies, Thorn. Owen, aliosque.
Et denuo aKquid dandum est et ingenio et non numerandis expens'

" Htec appOBui in gratlam successorum ut noeeant scopulos quibus ipse

allisus sum, et petant non ut ipse male conaulens, Yicariam sed Rectoriam, et
ut inspiciant literas dictas irrotulatas ut supra.

" NatuE modicis sed honestis parentibus Rich, et Anna Lewis paroch. de
Llandrindod ("individuaj Trinit sacne) in viculo de Brin heire de Melieruli ;
educatus scholie de Frcsteigne ; Oxoni» ab Doc'io opdmo Roberto Waring
alituB in ^de Cliristi, Magiatri artium dignitate cohonestatus in Aula Sancbe
Marine. Jam denuo rec^r de Frestdgne htec Bcripn anno letatis mete XLiii,
anno rectoriie meie 9"., amio Dol 1670.

" Fhilip Lewis."

This rich benefice is valued in the king's books as low
as £20. The patronage of it is vested in the Earl of
Oxford. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew, and
situated on the right bank of the river Lug, celebrated
for its fine trout and grayling fishing. It is distant 150
miles west-north-west from I^ndon.

The charitable donations and benefactions left to this

{►arish are very liberal, as will appear from the following
ist:— . ,

5obn Beddowes, Esq., in the year 1568, gave certain

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 159

lands and tenements to the value of £30 per annum, lor
the maintenance of a free gramniar school, for the educa-
tion of children born in this town and parish.

Ellen Harris, widow, of London, by her last will in
the year' 1630, gave the sum of £4 to be distributed
yearly, viz., 4 marks for 4 quarter sermons, and 13s. 4d.
to be distributed among the poor of the parish on the
four sermon days, and the other ISs. 4d. to the church-
wardens of the said parish for ever.

John Matthews, of Clerkenwell, London, gave £50 to
be lent to five or six poor tradesmen of this parish for
two years to each tradesman, use free. He gave £52 to
be distributed in 12d. loaves to twelve old people of the
parish, every Sunday for ever. He gave six coats to six
poor children every year. He gave six bibles to six poor
children every year for ever.

Nicholas Taylor, Esq., of this parish, gave the interest
and use of £30 for placing one poor b<^ or giri of this
parish an apprentice for ever.

Mai^aret Price, widow, late of Pilleth, gave the interest
of £50 for ever, for the placing of one poor boy an
apprentice every year. She gave the interest of £10 for
the clothing of two poor people yearly.

Richard Rodd, Esq., of the Rodd, in the county of
Hereford, gave £5 to the poor of Presteigne.

Jane Bull gave 12s. per annum, to be distributed in
bread to twelve poor people upon Candlemas-day,

Thomas Ecclestone, of Presteigne, E^., gave to the
poor of Presteigne £50 as a fund towards the building of
a smal! house for their accommodation for ever. He like-
wise gave £5 to purchase some ornament for the church.

Nicholas Taylor, Junr., Esq., of this parish, bv will,
dated December 2, 1672, gave £20 to be added *to the
£30 given by his father for binding apprentices. He also
gave £30 to buy cloth for the poor at Christmas, in all
£80.

Ambrose Meredith, of Stapleton, gave one-half of the
annual rent of two parcels of lands, and one cottage with
a garden, lying and being at the Slough, to be distributed
x2

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160 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

by the minister and churchwardens among the most needy
and poor of the parish, on the feast of St. John the
Baptist, St. Michael, Circumcision, and Annunciation.
The other moiety he gave to bind an apprentice.

Thomas Comewall, Esq., baron of Burford, lord of
Stapleton and Lougharoess, gave to the poor of this pariah
several sums of money and goods forfeited to the said
lord of the manor by felonies, murders, and other crimes,
viz., by a felony committed at Cascob, £2 12s. ; by a
murder committed at Combe, £6. By another forfeiture
of blood, applied to the benefit of the school, and the
purchasing of leathern buckets for the engines, and to
other charitable purposes.

Sir Thomas Street, of the county of Worcester, one of
the judges of assize on this circuit, gave £20 to bind
seven apprentices, which sum was forfeited by William
Whitcombe, Esq., of London, high sheriff of this county,
for non-attendance at the great sessions.

Littleton Powell, Esq., of Stanage, one of the six
clerks of Chancery, gave a lai^e, noble, silver flagon,
weighing 74 ounces and 3 drams, valued at £25, to be
used in the administration of the holy sacrament of our
Lord's Supper.

Thomas Owen, Esq., of Brampton Parva, gave the
altar-piece in the great chancel, and two silver salvers,
gilt, to contain the bread at the holy communion.

One lai^e, handsome silver chalice — donor unknown.

Nicholas Scarlet, of Presteigne, gave 40s. per annum,
to be distributed among the poor of this parish.

Giles Whitehall, Esq., of the Moor, in the year 1734,
gave to the township of Presteigne a fire-engine, and 12
leathern buckets.

Edward Price, Esq., of Aylesbury, in the county of
Bucks, in the year 1774, gave a handsome chandelier to
the church ; also, he gave the interest of £50 to be dis-
tributed in bread to the poor of the parish on Christmas-
day and Easter-day, for ever, by the minister and church-
w^ens thereof. The said Edward Price was buried in
the great chancel.

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n Eraat in Presteigne Church.

jLmm •••••• yrjl

n

Plan of Presteigne C

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. I6l

Lut of IncumbenU.

ttvi, Roger Bradshiw, Vlesr 1600 Rst. Timothj TbomaB, D.D 1737

Rev. John Sca]1,D.B.,Vlciir 1611 Rst. Joseph Gaest 17S1

Rector 1640 Rav. Archdeacon Hu-le; 1770

R«T. Philip Lewis, A.M., Hector . . I6G3 Rer. WlUiBm Whallef 1789

Rev. William Uortcan 1702 Rev. James Bull 1709

Rev. Samnel Sandfon) 1717 Rer. John Harlef 181S

Rev. Archdeacon Comjn 1731 Rev. Jamea Beabea 181

The original appointraeot and names of the first trastees
of the free Bchool, founded by John Beddowes, Esq., in
the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a.d. 1568.

TVutteei Namea.
Thomaa Wlgmore, Eaq. Nlchalaa Meredith. PhlUp Qough, Jnnr.

Peter Llo;d, Eeq. Rev. Roger Bradihaw. Johp Jennlngi.

Jobn Weaver, Btq. John-ab-Owen. John Jankini.

John Blsyaey, Jnnr. Roger Tlcarea.

lAtt of Bckoohnatten.

Bev. Miles HavklnB lfi9S Rev. Eiuebius Beeaton 1700

Rev. John Gome; 1668 Rev, Humphrey GrlfBtbs 1770

Rev. Robert Trejioe 1663 Rev. John Grabb

Rev. Jamee Bailey 1683

HUNDRED OF KNIGHTON.

The territory now denominated the hundred of Knighton
was in ancient times included in those pottions of Cantref
Moelynaidd, and Cantref-y-clawdd, wliich embraced the
two mesne manors of Knighton, and Swydd-y-wgre,and
a small portion of that of Swydd-wynogion, and con-
tained the three cwmwds of Dyffryn Tafediad; Is-mynydd
and Uwch-mynydd ; and Swydd-wynogion. It is situ-
ated on the north-eastern extremity of this county, and
is bounded on the east by the river Tame and Shropshire,
on the west by the hundred of Rhayader, on the south
by the hundreds of Cefn-y-Uys and Radnor, and on the
north by the line that separates the two counties of
Radnor and Montgomery. It contains seven parishes,
including one market-town, two contributary boroughs,
and one independent lordship, viz., Bugaildu, Cnwclas,
Heyope, Knighton, Llanano, Uanbadam-fynydd, Llan-
bister, Llanddewi-ystrad-ennau, and Stanage. Heyope,
Knighton, and Stanage, are Saxon names, the rest Welsh.
The reason why this hundred was denominated Knighton

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HIBTORY OF RADNOI»HIRB.

is obvious, because the important borough and market-
town of Kaightoo are situated within it.

BUaAILDD.

This name signifies " The Shepherd's House," and
alludes to the occupation of the inhabitants in ancient
times, who, In common with the rest of their country-
men, chiefly led a pastoral life. This parish remains to
this day distinguished by its healthy and extensive sheep-
walks, and for its superior breed of that most useful and
profitable animal. It is situated near the source of the
river Tame, and is bounded on the north and east by
that river, on the south-east by the parishes of Knighton
and Heyope, on the south by Llangunllo, on the south-
west by Llanbister, and on the west by Llanbadam-
fynydd, and on the north-west by the parish of Cerri, in
the county of Montgomery. It contains four townships,
viz., Bugaildu, Pennant, Crug-bydder, and Madwalled,
or Buddwalledd, and extends in length fourteen miles,
and two miles in breadth, including an area of about
18,000 acres of which one third remains unioclosed and
common, — thus constituting the largest parish in this
county. In assessing and collecting the parochial rates
it is divided into two divisions, viz., the upper and the
lower ; but each division pays its own taxes separately.
Situated in the crown lordship of Cantref Moelynaidd,
and in the cwmwd of Uwch-mynydd, the manorial rights
of this pari^ are vested in the Earl of Oxford, the lessee,
and part of the borough of Cnwcl^ is comprehended
within its limits.

The use of the Welsh language in this parish has been
totally superseded by the universal adoption of the
English tongue. The names of hills, fields, and houses
still remain evidences of the original speech of the
country. As recently as the year 1730, the service of
the church was performed in the Welsh language monthly,
since which time it has invariably been done in English.
An increased intercourse with England, a more general
interchange of tbe commodities and produce of these

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HI6TOBY OF BADNORSHIRE. 163

two countries respectively, and, above all, the introductioD
of that jurisprudence with which the inhabitants of
Wales found it necessary to be familiarized, as well as
the diction in which all legal pleadings, deeds, con-
veyances, processes, 8cc., are executed, soon undermined
that predilection for their mother tongue which was before
their distinguishing character, and rendered the study
and acquisition of the English language necessary, not
only as an accomplishment, but also as a matter of in-
dispensable interest.

With respect to the population of this parish, very
little diflFerence can be perceived within the last century.
The number of persons baptized and buried at the two
periods is nearly equal.

Ecclesiastical Accottitt.

The church of Bugaildu ia situated in the deanery of Moelynaidd, arch-
deacomy of Brecon, and diocese of St David's, on a gentle eminence con-
tiguouB to the river Tame, and distant from Knighton eight mites north-nest,
from the church of Ueyope five miles north-west, from Ilanpiollo seven milea
north, from LIanbiHt«r seven miles north-east, and from LuLnbadam-fynydd
six miles east. It is a small structure, consisting of one aisle, and a tower, the
roof of which terminates in a point. The int«nor h decent, and becoming a
place of worship. At the west end thereof a handsome and commodious
gallery has recently been erected. It cont^ns no sepulchral monuments, and
but one, yet pious, inscription, " Bemember the Poor." It is dedicated to
St. Michael. Its external length is thirty-seven yards. The tower cont^ns
three bells, on which are the following inscriptions : —

I — "Edward ab Evan, Edward WhettalL 1664."— DiamMer at the
mouth, 2ft. Sin.

II "AU praise and glory be to God for ever, 166*." — Diameter, 2fr. 5in.

ni "God save the King. Vive utp<wt vivas. 1661."— Diameter, 2fr. 2in.

No inscription on the chance, which is silver. On the flagon is the following,
— "Long Lve the Prince and Princess of Orange."

This benefice is a vicarage, estimated in Liber Regis at the clear yearly value
of ^7 1^. 7jd. Improved value, £3& per annum. The total emoluments at
present amount to tiie annual sum of £143 9s. 6d. The yearly tenths are
15a. 6|d. The j^tron is the Bishop of St. David's. All the tithes of the
township of Bugwldu, that of Hay excepted, are the property of the vicar.
In lieu of the tithe of Hay a penny modus is paid. Tii» tithes of the other
three townships belong to the Dean and Chapter of St. David's, and Peniy
PoweU, Esq., holds them, by virtue of a lease renewable eveiy seven years.

The feast is holden on the first Sunday after St. Michael's-day, O.S., and
observed with the customary festivities, sometimes perverted to purposes of
intemperance and excess.

The vicarage house is an old and inconvenient habitation, to which are
attached a barn, stable, and beast-house ; likewise about twelve acres of glebe-
'"~ '"■■'■■ ■' ■" ' ' ' T Tame, and contiguous to the

Di.itradb, Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Lut of IncunOientt.

1740

Walktoa

1700 JohD Prlchard, Junr.

1766

1776

Charitable Donationt.

In the year 1741, the Rev. John Davies, D.D., devised by will the principal
rora of £100, vested in the vicar and churcliwBtdenB,and now secured on an estate
c^kd the Gnug, in this parish, the int«a:«8t whereof is dulj distributed tunoog
poor householders not recriving parochial relief, on St. Thomas'-day, annually.

In the year 1741, VaTaaor Griffiths, Esq., left by will the sum of £20, vested
in the minister and churchwardens, and now secured on the above-mentioned
estate, the interest whereof is didy distributed among poor householders not
chu^eable to the parish, on St. lliomaa'-day, yearly.

In a year unknown, and whether by will or deed also unknown, Phihp, or
Robert, Lord Wharton, left the annual sum of £10, or, as tradition says. £20,
secured on an estate called Maesgwin, in this parish, for the puipose of teaching
the poor children of ibis parish, and also of the parishes of Llanbister and
Uanbadam-fynydd, now vested in the Earl of Oxford. The number of
scholars on the foundation is tmlimited, yet they never exceed ten.

In this parish was born the learned Joan Du, Anglice
Black JacK, who for his surprising attainments in as-
tronomy and mathematical science, far surpassing the
expectations oF the age in which he lived, was deemed
by the common people a conjurer. He was the counter-
part of the celebrated Roger Bacon. laaac Casaubon,
prebendary of Canterbury, satirized John Du in a doggerel

S>em, entitled " A Dialogue between John Du and the
evil," which Du answered, and completely silenced bis
opponent. He lived higbly respected in the court of
Queen Elizabeth, of whom he was the mathematical
instructor.

ONWCLAS CASTLB AND BOROITaH.

This place is invanably denominated by the common
people " the Cnwclas," as if by way of eminence ; being
at present a contributory borough, and having been in
ancient times a formidable castle. Its name signi6es
"the green hillock," an interpretation truly descriptive
of the feature of the situation. Our account of it will
be divided into two parts : first, the castle ; second, the
borough.

Of this hillock, so formed by nature, and placed in so

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HIBTOBY OF RADNORSHIKE. 165

commanding a Bituation, that little doubt can be enter-
tained of its having attracted the notice of the Silurian
commanders, no recorded account exists prior to the
era of the Norman conquest. But though the precise
date of its original appropriation to military purposes
it is impossible at this remote period, through want of
documents, to ascertain, yet it does not seem improbable,
from the circumstance of its vicinity to Caer Caradoc,
its impregnable nature, and its situation on the bank of
the river Tame, that its use, as an important fortification,
was coeval with that last scene of the patriotic stru^le
of tbe brave Caractacus; that in subsequent times it
protected the vale of the Tame from the hostile incur-
sions of the Saxons and Normans, advancing from
Cheshire and Salop,' and that the possession of so im-
portant a post was an object of frequent contention.
After signal success, obtained chiefly through the fatal
dissensions which reigned among the native reguli, this
hillock was seized upon, and fortified with a castle, by
Roger Mortimer. Ear] of Wigmore and Marche, and the
Norman Lord of Moelynaidd and Elfael. Few or no re-
mains of this formidable fortress have survived the com-
bined ravages Eind spoliations of war and time. The
site, and some low foundations of walls only, are at
present discernible. The hillock rises by a steep ascent
from the bank of the river Tame, on which it is situated,
to the height of one hundred yards. Its summit, which
is distant about three hundred yards from the bed of that
river, is of an oval or elliptical form, and of considerable
extent, and is encompassed by a double intrenchment;
commanding a view of the river, the vale through which
it flows, and the opposite hills of Shropshire, at the dis-
tance of about a mile. At the foot of this castle hill is
a piece of pasture land, which, from time immemorial, has
sustained the denomination of " the bloody field," or
"meadow." Hence it is conjectured that, on this piece
of land, a severe battle had once been fought, but whether
prior or posterior to the erection of the castle cannot be
ascertained. In confirmation of this traditional report, it

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166 HISTOKY OF RADNORSHIRE.

has been urged that, on the opposite side of the river, on
a farm called Monachtu, was discovered a small tumulus,
which, on its being opened some years ago, presented to
view a stone of astonishing dimensions, weighing several
tons, and of a quality very different from the stones of
this country, and covering an entrance into a vault,
which was divided into iive compartments. In each of
these recesses were deposited human skeletons, arranged
side by side in complete regularity, and having teeth as
white as ivory, and containing bones of a large size. It
is conjectured that these skeletons composed the remains
of those warriors who fell in the battle of " the bloody
field" above mentioned. The discovery of this sepul-
chral repository furnishes a clue to ascertain the country
of the interred, and the date of the interment. The
interred were natives of Wales, the whiteness of whose
teeth is remarked by every historian. The interment,
viz., in a tumulus, or barrow, was prior to the introduc-
tion and establishment of Christianity in this part of the
kingdom, for by that happy event the ancient manner of
burial was superseded. Hence may be inferred, tliat the
slaughter committed in " the bloody field," supposing
these bones to have belonged to the slain in that action,
preceded, in point of time, many centuries, the construc-
tion of the castle of Cnwclas. To what era, therefore,
can it be so justly assigned as to that which has been
signalized by the long and vigorous resistance maintained
by the brave Silures to the all-conquering Romans?
A traditionary remembrance of several other battles
fought in this vicinity, at different times, is still preserved
by the inhabitants.'

It has already been observed that this important post,
the castle of Cnwclas, was an object of frequent contest.
Its possession was also secured by much art and ingen-
uity; for water, for the use and comfort of the garrison,
was conducted into it by means of leaden pipes from a
well or spring upon au opposite eminence, toward the
west, called Gifron. It must be confessed that the in-
genuity of this contrivance bespeaks a more modem and

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aiSTORY OP RADNOfiSHIRE. 167

refined era than that which distinguished the ancient
Britons, and must in justice be referred to the times of
the Mortimers, Lords of Moelynaidd, in whose possession
it remained, with little interruption, till it finally merged
in the crown, by the accession of the Duke of York — who,
by bis maternal line, was descended from that powerful
house — to the throne of England, under the title of King
Edward IV., when the restoration of internal peace to
the distracted kingdom superseded the use of its military
designation, and its walls, no longer wanted to repel the
assailing foe, supplied materials for constructing the
more tranquil and friendly habitations of social man.
In the reign of Richard III., Philip ab Howel was Lord
of Cnwclas, and assisted Henry, Earl of Richmond, in
defeating the tyrant and usurper in the battle of Bos-
worth field, and in obtaining the English crown.

The town, or rather village, of Cnwclas consists of a
few scattered houses, situated at the foot of the hillock
on the bank of the River Tame, mean and inconsiderable
in appearance, having a small garden, and perhaps a
meadow, attached to each. At the public house, in this
village, was bom a man who made a considerable figure
in his time; for he was a radical reformer. This person
was the noted Valvasor Powel, a sturdy republican, and
a violent impugner of the doctrine and discipline of the
Established Church, to whom was committed, during the
anarchy of the Long Parliament, and the usurpation of
Oliver Cromwell, the whole of the ecclesiastical govern-
ment of this and some of the adjoining counties. Armed
with the authority of Pariiament, and assisted by Sir
Robert Harley, President of the Radnorshire Committee,
this associate and coadjutor of the famous Hugh Peters,
chaplain to the Protector, succeeded in sequestrating the
tithes in every parish in this county, stripping the
churches of their ornaments, and ejecting the regularly-
ordained ministers.

The original establishment of English boroughs, how-
soever distinguished, by prescription, or by charter, was a
political favour conferred either in return for obligations

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168 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

already received from the infaabitante, or as a means of
securing future ones. The proximity of the borough of
Cnwclas to that of Knighton, being distant only two
miles and a half west-by-south, seems to evince a strong
desire in the Norman impropriators of procuring and
meriting the good will and afiections of the ancient
inhabitants of this part of the county of Radnor, by
investing them with privileges and civil distinctions,
which, however intensely coveted, and highly appreciated
in the present times, were, in the infancy of the British
constitution, deemed as generally a burden as au booour,
if we may reason from the numerous and voluntary
petitions for being exonerated ; whilst the continuance of
Cnwclas as a contributory borough, from its first institu-
tion to the present era, not only contradicts the insigni-
ficance which the first view of this village presents, but
also bespeaks an absence of those causes which have
operated to the disfranchisements of similar establish-
ments, both in England and Wales.

Cnwclas having been a baronial and royal castle, and
the seat of baronial judicature, was deemed competent, in
the reign of King Henry VIII., to be made one of the
contributory boroughs of New Radnor; and all such
persons as are duly elected bui^esses at its several courts
nolden for that purpose, possess the right of parliamentary
suffrage. The manner of conferring this privilege is as
follows: — By prescription, court-leets are occasionally
holden by the steward, or deputy-steward, presiding over
this and the other contributory boroughs. At these
courts the jury, who have been previously summoned,
and who ought to be bui^esses of this particular borough,
are impannelled, and present the name of such persons,
whether inhabitants or not, whom they think proper to
select as fit and proper persons to be made burgesses.
This presentment being accepted by the steward, the per-
sons so presented are elected burgesses, and generally
sworn in immediately, if they be present in court, but
if not, at a subsequent court.

The borough of Cnwclas is extensive : it reaches into

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HISTORY OP RADHOnSHIRB. 169

the two parishes of BugaiJdu and Heyope. The court'
house, in which the burgesses are elected, is situated in
that of the former. Its boundaries were ascertained on
the 2nd day of November, 1787, by the oldest inhabi-
tants then living, viz., William Matthews, Richard
Matthews, John Morris, William Jones, William Jones,
Junr., Thomas Griffiths, Richard Davies, and many others,
who signed the following descripton thereof, viz.: — "From
the bridge near the Pound follow the course of the brook
upwards to a piece of land belonging to Lower-hall Farm
called the White-leasow, about one acre of the east side
of which is within the borough ; follow the hedge on the
north side of White-leasow, to a piece of land lately in*
closed to Lower-hail Farm, about two acres of whicn are
within the borough ; proceed up to the east hedge about
twenty-two yards above the comer of the Upper Bwlch,
belonging to Lower-hall Farm, and cross that field straight
to an old ditch on the Gifron Hill, south of the Gifron Well,
leaving about four acres of the Upper Bwlch within the
borough ; follow that old ditch, which appears to have
been thrown up as a landmark, through the middle of
the Goitrey Birches to the lower hedge, about three acres
of which are within the borough ; follow the said hedge
to the bottom of the piece below Goitrey House, then cross
to an oak tree in the lane hedge, following the lane hedge
to the bottom of the Goitrey Farm, about four acres ; then
over the edge of the rock to John Wood's tenement,
turning down between the house and the garden to the
water that comes from the mill, following that to the
river Tame, below the Llwyneu ; cross the river into the
Graig cow pasture, and follow it on the north side to a
meadow belonging to the Graig Farm, called the D61,
about two acres of whicli are within the borough, as also
another piece of excellent pasture about five acres ad-
joining to the river Tame, belonging also to the Graig ;
follow an old bed of the river across the Graig lands to
the wear in Dol-fawr belonging to Monachtu Farm; thence
follow the water-course through the fold at Monachtu,
cross the corners of two meadows, including about one

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170 HISTORY OF RADWORSHIRB.

acre and a half to the north side of the Charity land,
and down the Long-leasow to an old bed of the river,
following that to the bottom of Monachtu Farm, leaving
about twelve acres below the house within the borough ;
thence down to an old bed of the river in Skyborreu Farm,
leaving about two acrea on the north side of the river
within the borough ; then ^ross the river to the hedge on
the sluice leasow, down that straight hedge almost to a
comer on the north side of the Barn Meadow, and thence
across to the lane hedge, which follow to Graig-y-swydd,
or Swydd."

A considerable portion of this hamlet remains to this
day a part of the royal patrimony of the Kings of Eng-
land. The site of Cnwclas Castle, the herbage of
Cnwclas forest, Whittersley land, within the borough of
of Cnwclas, are all three the property of the crown of
England, and now leased by the Earl of Oxford, or by
the representatives of the Right Rev. Dr. Harley, late
Bishop of Hereford ; the former at Is., the second at
13s. 4d., and the latter at 6b. 8d., being the gross annual
rent. Whittersley land originally consisted of seventy
acres, and was holden by Thomas Price, In the reign of
Queen Elizabeth, at the yearly rent of £14, and latterly
by Mr. Philip Gouch, Gent.; likewise a piece of land
called Lord's Mead, leased by the late Bishop Harley, at
3s. 4d. gross annual rent. Also Cnwclas mill, leased
by the late Rev. J. W. Davies, at the gross annual rent
of £1 2s., being in the year 1784 three years in arrears.
Likewise Cnwclas borough, leased by the bailiff thereof,
at the gross annual rent of £5 68. 5^., being in the year
1784 two years in arrears. Also Gwartuissa land, leased
by the late Bishop Harley, at the gross annual amount of
6d. Likewise four acres of land called Brynrhiwgwith,
and Llwyneugoden, leased by the late Bishop Harley, at
the gross annual rent of 6d. Also two parcels of con-
cealed land, called Wyr-glodd-gam, and Blackmead,
leased by the late Bishop Harley, at the gross annual
rent of 3s. 8d.

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J

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

The town of Knighton is beautifully situated at the
head of a deep and narrow vate, on the southern bank of
the river Tame, urging its winding course under a stone
bridge, between high hills and wooded koolU, and
leaving on each side a breadth of land rich and fertile.
It consists of several streets, some narrow, bnt all upon
a descent, and therefore clean, and unobstructed with
that filth which is generally suffered to accumulate in
small country towns. They are also all paved, and con-
tain several good houses, which, viewed at a distance, as
towering one above another, and contrasted with the ro-
mantic scenery of the vale, present to the traveller many
picturesque objects. It is a place of trade and business,
and of considerable resort. Its shops furnish the town
and neighbourhood with every article of general use and
consumption. Its market is on Thursday, and was, be-
fore the pursuit of agriculture became so general as at
present, wont to supply many of the inhabitants of
Cantref Moelynaidd with grain ; and its fairs, which are
on Saturday before the second Sunday in March, 17th
May, 2nd of October, and 9th of November, are well
served with cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, corn, iron-ware,
hops, salt, linen and woollen cloth, and various other
commodities. It is governed by a bailiff, the manner of
whose election and appointment shall be described here-
after, and is distant from the town of New Radnor ten
miles north-east, and from London one hundred and fifty-
five miles north-west. In short, Knighton ranks among
those neat, clean, hvely and well-supplied little towns, for
which the Principality of Wales is distinguished.

Nearly in the centre of the town still remains an old
mansion, once occupied by a branch of the Chandos
family, of the name of Brydges. To this habitation was
attached, in former times, on the side next to the street,
an open terrace walk, which was entered from the second
story. To this balcony the family often resorted for the
purpose of inhaling the refreshing breeze, enjoying the
distant prospect, and contemplating the busy and care-

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172 HISTORY OP RADNOBSHIRB.

worn faces of those who resorted to the fairs and marketa,
without incurring the risk of codq promising their per-
sonal dignity by a nearer and more familiar association.

At the east end of the town stands the mansion for-
merly inhabited by the Crowther family, who once pos-
sessed considerable property in this parish, and in the
neighbourhood. It has usually been denominated the
."Great House." It appears to have been originally
built in the form of the letter H, and in the construction
of its roof, and of its chimneys, bears a strong resem-
blance to the style of architecture which prevailed in
the reign of James I. The grand entrance was at the
east end, guarded by a very large door, and a porch ;
this end, which composed at least one half of the man-
sion, has been taken down ; and the present entrance
placed on the north side, next to the public road. Ad-
joining to this house stood the bam, in which the
republican marauders received from the hands of Mr.
Legge, of Willey, and his servants, the death which
their villainous and outrageous excesses deserved.

Farringtoo, the old stone mansion of an ancient family
of the name of Cutler, stands upon an eminence on the
south-east side of the town of Knighton, and at the
distance of a mile from it. The initial letters, R. C,
and the Bgures 1666, mark the era of the building, and
testify the name of its original proprietor, viz., Robert
Cutler. The south wing is in a dilapidated state, and
the remaining part of the house has been converted into
the residence of a farmer.

It was no uncommon thing, two centuries ago, for
gentlemen of lai^e fortunes to occupy mansion-houses
situated either in the centre, or at one end, of small
towns, in which beauty of situation, or fine views, were
circumstances little attended to. The probable induce-
ment to a custom so different from that which prevails
at present, seems to have been suggested by that assu-
rance of protection and security holden out by an obliged
and devoted population in times when sudden commotion
and lawless outrage were frequent, which a solitary and

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

insulated residence could not satiBfactorily promise. The
tranquil and respectful obedience that is now paid to the
laws, and the perfect security in which every subject
enjoys his own propertv, render the contiguity of a nu-
merous population no longer necessary to the safety of
a rich individual ; yet the good old custom of a landed
proprietor expending his income in the midst of his
tenants still distinguishes the town of Knighton, the
inhabitants of which derive many and great advantages
from the constant residence of the worthy representative
of the borough of New Radnor, during the time he is
relieved from his parliamentary duties. This gentleman's
house is situated opposite the Town-Hall, commands a
full view of the principal street and adjacent country,
and possesses every suitable accommodation.

The foundation of the wealth and influence which the
two families of Cutler and Crowther acquired in this part
of the county of Radnor was wisely laid in the profession
of the law, which leads its votaries more directly than
any other profession to the temple of affluence, dignity,
and fame. Robert Cutler, Esq., served the office of high
sheriff for this county in the year 1694. He afterwards
removed his residence to Street Court, in the parish of
Yerdisland, and county of Hereford, having succeeded
to the possession of that mansion, estate, and manor. The
office of high sheriff for this county was filled by Brian
Crowther, Esq., in the years 1639 and 1645. He was
a gentleman of unblemished respectability and honour:
many arbitration cases were referred to his decision, and,

garticularly, a tedious and prolonged litigation between
mailman and John Crowther, his relative, at the instance
of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He strenuously sup-
ported the royal cause, and consequently was fined by
the rebellious parliament for his delinquency.

The castle was situated at the upper end of the town,
near where the Butter Cross at present stands — a situation
overlooking and commanding the whole place. The'
mount, now called the " Castle Mount," was the keep or
citadel ; and this, with the area inclosed by the ditch,.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

occupies the space of an acre and a quarter of land. It
was well adapted to purposes of defence before the in-
ventioo of artillery, and guarded from surprize by (he
grounds rapidly falling on each side, excepting on the
north and north-west, on which points it was strongly
fortified by a wide and deep trench. That on the north side
has been tilled up in the coXirse of time ; hut that towards
the west may still be traced. A strong wall appears to
have stood on the inside of the trench, and there were
probably, within this wsdl, some low structures formed for
the accommodation of the troops of the garrison. From
what can at present be collected of the ancient state of this
castle, it seems that it can only be ranked among the in-
ferior fortresses in this part of the kingdom. But as
persons of some distinction, in the Saxon and Norman
times, resided in castles of little note, so it is probable
that some petty lord or chieftain held this fortress as a fief
under the Mortimers, and subject to their control in the
wars and lactions of those ages. Each baron of the
realm, as Roger Mortimer, on receiving the royal sum-
mons, was obliged to bring into the field a certain number
o( milites, or knights, who held lands, &c., under him, on
the favourite tenure of knight-service. To one of these
knights did Roger Mortimer, to whom the King of Eng-
land had granted the lordships of Moelynaidd and Elfael
to he holden m capite, commit the custody of this castle,
and the government of this town, which from this cir-
cumstance derives its present name, " Knighton," or the
town of the knight.

The justness of this derivation is doubted by some, who
allege in opposition to it that Knighton was an inha-
bittS place, not only priortotheeraof the invasion of this
district by Roger Mortimer, and recognized as such by
Roderic Mawr about the year 840, and by that prince de-
nominated Tref-y-Clawdd, or the town on the dyke ; but
that even this appellation was a modern one, suggested by
the recent formation of the dyke, and that it succeeded
its pristine denomination, which was Cnuch-din. Alt that
ridge of mountains extending from the parish of Llan-

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HISTORY OF HADNORSHIRB. 175

gunllo to and above the town of Knighton was formerly
designated by the general term Cnuck: now the word
Cnuck signifies a joint or copula that connects, — a term
apparently descriptive of the site of this town, which joins
together or connects two opposite hills, on its sonth and
south-east quarter ; and din means a fortification : so that
Cnuck-din, now converted to Knighton, signifies a forti-
fied juncture.

The reader is to bear in remembrance that the word is
not to be met with in Domesday Book, where it certainly
would have been inserted, had it been of Saxon or Nor-
man origin. On this silence of the authoritative register
of England is grounded the probable inference that the
name Knighton is of Welsh extraction.

The last Lord of Cantref Moelynaidd, which included
the town and castle of Knighton, and considerable tracts
of land in this parish, was Edmund, the last Earl of
Marche and Wigmore. By his death, which happened in
the beginning of the reign of Henry VI., the male line
became extinct, and all his possessions devolved to Richard,
E^rl of Cambridge, who had married his sister Anne.
Upon the attainder of this last mentioned nobleman, for
being implicated in Jack Cade's conspiracy, Cantref
Moelynaidd, and all the castles and lands annexed to it,
merged in the crown ; and, by the accession of the Duke
of York to the throne, by the title of Edward IV"., they
have ever since formed a part of the royal patrimony of
the Kings of England. For some years past they nave
been leased out by the crown to the Earl of Oxford.

The town of Knighton was endowed, like the other towns
appendant to the castles of Norman barons, with the
privilege of being corporate, and of exercising a peculiar
civil jurisdiction within itself. This approached, as neaily
as possible, to the forms of English jurisprudence. It
was not, however, till the reign of Henry VIII. made one
of the five contributary boroughs, which conjointly return
one member to the British Parliament. The constitution
of this borough in the article of creating bui^esses differs
in some particulars from that of the other boroughs; for, if

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176 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

any of the bui^esses living within the said borough die,
his eldest son is of course and by custom to be admitted
and sworn burgess in the said borough at any court-baron
he shall require the same, paying a penny to the crier
for the same. And the burgesses nave the power to
nominate and elect any person to be a free burgess, whether
freeholder, tenant, foreigner, or otherwise, the same being
approved with general consent. But if two, of the said
burgesses then present in court do oppose any person to
be a burgess, then the same person ia not to be admitted
or sworn a burgess of the said borough. The other cus-
toms are, — ■

I. — The borough to have a bailiff and burgesses. A
court-baron to be holden in the Town-Hall upon a Friday
once in every three weeks, and upon a Wednesday once
in every three weeks, and likewise two leets to be holden,
the one a month after Michaelmas, the other a mouth
after Easter, in the Town-Hall aforesaid, where the bailiff
and burgesses do their suit and services; and that one
shilling is paid yearly to His Majesty, the lord of the
borough, for the ground whereon the said Town-Hall was
built.

II. — The bailiff and burgesses have the benefit of the
butchers' and other standings belonging to the said hall,
and all the tolls of com and grain exposed there for sale
upon fairs and market days, and to let or lease the said
standings for a term of years.

III. — The bailiff, upon every Lord's-day next before
Michaelmas yearly, between the hours of eleven and
twelve o'clock in the morning, is to return and put in
writing three names of the burgesses then inhabiting in
the said town or borough, at the usual and accustomed
place, to be approved by the burgesses then present ; but,
if disliked, then some of the burgesses then present inhabi-
ting within the said borough are immediately to nominate
and return three other burgesses inhabiting within the said
borough ; which said several returns are to be presented
at the next court-leet after Michaelmas yearly, after the
calling of any action to the steward, who is to order a trial

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HISTORY OF HADNORSHIBE. 177

by poll of the two returns, and out of that return which
has the majority of voices, to swear one of the three
bailiff for the year ensuing, wherein no foreign burgesa is
to have any voice. But if no dislike against the bailiff's
return be expressed, then his nomination to stand good,
and one of the three burgesses so presented to be sworn
bailiff, Eind no other. A foreign candidate for the bailiwick
must be resident within the borough at least a month
before the election day. The steward to be sworn a
burgess thereof. Burgesses are exempted from toll.

IV. — The bailiff to return all jurors to be impannelled
at every court, who must be burgesses, and to choose a
Serjeant for delivering summonses ; but he must in his
person summon burgesses ; and he, or his deputy, to exe-
cute distringases, warrants, precepts, issuing forth of the
said court; and to collect and receive the lord's chief
rents, and perquisites of the said courts ; all waifs, estrays ;
and at Michaelmas yearly account for the same.

V. — The bailiff to have the profit accruing from the
wool weights in the Town -Hall upon fairs and market
days; and also one half of the pitching due at fairs and
markets; and all profits for sealing of leather with the
town seal.

VI. — Four constables out of the company of burgesses
to be sworn ; two of whom to be appointed by the bailiff,
and two by the steward.

VII. — The bailiff and burgesses stand seized of one
parcel of wood ground, called Garth Wood, lying within
the said borough, and have right to cut and dispose of it
to their own use and uses, and none else.

VIII. — The burgesses and tenants have a right to
license any poor, old, or decayed person to build cottages
for habitation upon any part of the waste land or com-
mons belonging to the borough ; which commons are
purtenances to the several messuages or tenements of the
burgesses and freeholders.

IX. — The chief rents due from the burgesses and
tenants to His Majesty, who is lord and owner of the
borough, amount to the sum of £8 4s. 4^., and the
2a

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178 HISTORY OF HADNOB8HIRE.

herriot upon the decease of any tenant of the said borough
is 23. 6d. No herriot due from a tenement not being a
messuage place.

X, — The extent of the said borough is from an elder
tree or bush growing on the back side of Francis Mason's
house, who is now deceased ; thence to an ash, late of one
Meredith Edwards, barber, deceased ; and thence to the
further side of the Black Meadow, beyond the river Tame,
and so over Tame to Cappero Meadow, late in the
possession of Jeremiah Bayliss ; thence to a stone bridge
in the highway leading from the town of Knighton to
Presteigne; thence to an oak in a parcel of land of Mr.
Barbley ; thence to the top of the Frieth Wood ; thence to
a crab tree near St. Edward's Well ; so over a common,
called the Garth, unto a gutter near Whitterley, with the
compass of the Lord's Meadow, late in the possession of
Richard Evans, deceased ; and so to the farther side of a
meadow called Ciasby; thence over the river Tame; and
so to a house wherein Thomas Hodges now deceased,
formerly dwelled ; and so to the elder bush aforesaid.

The author of this work has been informed, that the
borough lands above detailed have long since become
private property, excepting the part which belongs to the
crown ; and that the courts formerly holden by the bailiffs
and burgesses, for the recovery of small debts, are now
discontinued.

Some of the inhabitants of this borough had once a
license to coin halfpence. There is one of them still to
be seen, with this inscription, — front side, " James Mason,
of Knighton, his halfpenny" in the border ; in the centre
is a " Maiden's head " within a shield, being the arras
of the Mefcers' Company; reverse, 1668.

The parish, which includes the townships of the
borough, and Cwmgelau, together with the lordship of
Farrington, is small, not exceeding two miles in extent.
It is supposed that two-thirds of it, and more, are in a
state of cultivation, the remainder being woods and hills.
The parochial assessments amounted to £377 9s. 9d., at
2s. 3d. in the pound on the rack rental, in 1803.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 179

The lordship of Farrington, within this parish, is a
mesne manor, within Cautref Moelynaidd. The King
of England is lord of. it, and the Earl of Oxford under
him, as steward of Cantref Moelynaidd. The rest of
the parish, as a manor, is part of the great lordship of
Moelynaidd.

There is in this parish, in a field a little below the
town, a mount called Bryn-y-castell. It is a very large
tumulus, of an oblong square form, fortified on the east,
south, and west sides with a very deep fosse and rampart,
and on the north by an abrupt precipice, which termi-
nates below, near the river Tame. The summit of the
tumulus is somewhat excavated, and it has much the
appearance of having once contained some temporary
structure. It does not appear to have been the keep of
a castle, or at all appendant to a fortification of larger
extent, as no traces of any such are to be found near it.

The country around Knighton abounds in military
vestiges of past times. Studded with British and Roman
' camps, and containing fragmented pieces of ancient
weapons, both defensive and offensive, together with
human bones frequently turned up by the spade and by
the plough, it indicates a scene marked by bloody hos-
tility, and which bears honourable testimony to the
bravery of the inhabitants, and to their obstinate resist-
ance to the yoke of their invaders. Whether the
Romans penetrated so far into this district, or whether
the line of the Tame was the boundary of their conquests
on its north-east quarter, as the line of the leithon was
on its south-west, are questions at present indeterminable;
but there is presumptive proof, which cannot be contro-
verted, that Caractacus, if he did not make the vale of
the Tame the scene of one of his campaigns, certainly
drew much of his resources from its vicinity; and, as
Knighton is of very short distance from Caer Caradoc,
it would seem almost unpardonable to omit the mention
of 80 celebrated a position of that great general, — not for
the purpose of swelling this work with a detailed de-
scription of a place not included within the limits of its

ii^Gcxigle

ISO HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

subject, but of eubmittiog to the consideration of the
candid reader what appears, to the mind of the author,
an additional argument, which corroborates the general
conjecture that, on this very spot, terminated the high
spirited, long continued, and well supported struggle
which the intrepid Caractacus, and his brave Siluriiins,
maintained for the space of nine successive years, for
the preservation of the independence of their country
against the conquerors of the world. No traveller, who
shall have arrived in Knighton, can possibly refrain from
extending his visits to a camp which he will find to
have been fortified as well by art as by nature, and which
incontestibly demonstrates the discrimination and judg-
ment of its constructors. It is surrounded by a triple
belt of ramparts, accommodated with a well of fresh
water in the centre, approached by two entrances, east
and west, and occupies an almost inaccessible eminence,
containing twelve acres of land. Lastly, it constituted
the third angle, Coxwall Knoll and Stretton being the
first and second, of the last series of triangular positions
which this great commander had formed for the defence
of his country. When to these circumstances we add
its appropriate name, Caer Caradoc, can we entertain a
doubt of the superior claims which this celebrated posi-
tion has to the honour of having been the site of the last
conflict of Caractacus ? Vain and fruitless is the oppo-
sition urged by Coxwall Knoll, which has so many
military positions of the same commander considerably
in the rear of its line. The stone of large rotundity
which was lately found within it, and supposed to have
been fiung thither by a Roman balista from the opposite
camp at Brandon, affords no argument in favour of its
pretensions. Stones were often the only instruments of
offence which the ilt-equipped Silurians possessed ; and
the rotundity of their figure was an artificial effect, not
for the purpose of adapting such missiles to the strings
of a balista, which would have been worse than useless
labour, but for capacitating them for rolling down, the
precipice with accumulated force against the Roman

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HISTOBY OP RADNORSHIRE. 181

cohorte. This stone, then, appears to be rather of British
than of Roman application ; and, consequently, the ar- .
gumeot founded upon it falls to the ground. Nor is
the alleged claim of Rhyd Esgyn, in the parish of
Guilsfield, in the county of Montgomery, recommended
to our acceptance by stronger pretensions. A thousand
other similar situations are equally entitled to prefer the
same claim, some of which possess features more com-
mensurate to the description given by the Roman his-
torian, Tacitus, than the Montgomeryshire encampment ;
whilst the appropriate and significative appellation,
Caer Caradoc, implying at once a fortification, a battle,
and the hero's name, together with its local situation,
and other accompaniments, cannot fail of striking con-
viction into the mind of every impartial investigator,
that this, and no other, was the identical spot on which
the brave defender of Siluria received his final overthrow.
It is DO invalidation of this inference to urge that two
other intrenchments bear the same appellation ; for only
one of them has any plea to stand in competition ; and
that one, viz., at Church Stretton, has already been at-
tributed to Caractacus, and included in his plan of the
campaign within the territory of the Ordovices; whilst
the other, in the parish of Sell^ck, in the county of
Hereford, is excluded from all pretensions of being con-
sidered as a camp of the Silurian commander; having
been constructed eleven centuries posterior to his era,
by Caradoc, a prince of South Wales, in the reign of
William the Conqueror. The preference here given to
Caer Caradoc being the site of this last conflict, rather
than the encampment of the same name at Church
Stretton, is grounded on this circumstance, little attended
to by historians; The Silurian general was disappointed
in his expectations of the effectual succours stipulated to
be supplied by the Ordovices, and found himself under
the necessity of retreating. The execution of the new
plan which he in consequence adopted, of carrying on
the future operations of the war through the mountains
of Radnorshire and Brecknockshire into Monmonth-

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182 HISTORY OP RADHOBSHIRB.

shire, where was the capital and the principal seat of the
Silurian goveniment, was prevented only by being forced
by the enemy to a battle at Caer Caradoc, and there
totally defeated.

The last piece of curious antiquity that remains to be
noticed, is the remarkable dyke, conetructed in the reign
of Offa, the eleventh King of Mercia, by the united
labours of Saxons and Welsh, and destined to perpetuate
the discriminating boundary between their respective
countries. It enters this parish from the hundred of
Clun, in the county of Salop, and, skirting the west side
of this town by a garden wall belonging to Richard
Price, Esq., M.P., it passes along the ridge of Friedd
Hill, leaving Jenkin AUis to the east ; thence proceeds
along Reeves' Hill in a straight line from north to south,
into the parish of Norton, Many outrages, bloody frays,
and cruel violences, were committed on each side of this
boundary line by the two contending nations.

It would be improper to conclude this article with
omitting to notice a place in this parish, once venerated
by antiquity, and continued till lately to be honoured
and respected by the youth of the town of Knighton, of
both sexes, but which modem refinement has doomed to
neglect and oblivion. This place is called Craig Donna,
situated about a mile from the town, in a wooded de-
clivity, on the left side of the road leading to the
borough of Cnwclfls. It consists of a huge, stupendous
rock, containing a very capacious chasm, and watered by
a limpid and murmuring stream. Hither the young
people of Knighton were wont, till of late years, to
resort on Sunday evenings, to drink the water of this
pellucid spring, sweetened with sugar, and to hold social
and friendly converse with ooe another. This custom
undoubtedly originated in the veneration which was an-
ciently paid to the occupier of this rock, whose name
was l)onna, a sainted recluse. He lived in the seventh
century; the chasm in the rock was his bed; the spring
supplied his beverage ; and the roots that grew nigh and
spontaneously were his food.

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HIBTOHT OF RADNORSHIRE. 183

In the third year of King James II., on the I3th day
of January, 1688, Francis Haynes, of the city of Wor-
cester, obtained a crown lease of lands, tolls, herriots,
and other premises in this borough and parish to a con-
siderable amount, viz : —

Tolls of Knighton of the yearly value of £13 6 8

6 acres Stubble Close, called Skill Garth .... 2 lO

Jenkin Hales, 26 acres 1 10

Friedd, being woodlands, 70 acres 10 10

Cwmbigel, 18 acres waste land 4 10

by letters patent for the term of thirty-one years; like-
frise all herriots, and also two small closes of concealed
land, of the yearly value of 2s. Two other small closes
of concealed land, of the yearly value of Is. 2d. He
was to have all arrears due. There is also in CefnferfiD
a parcel of concealed land, of the yearly value of 2s.,
and also concealed land cailed Tir Gwillim, of the yearly
value of Is. 5d. AH these lands are now leased to tfae
representatives of the late Bishop Harley.

The following is a list or catalogue of the crown pro-
perty within the town, borough, and parish of Knighton,
as it stands at present, viz : —

Knighton borough, £8 48. 4Jd., in ari-ears, in 1784, one year.
This is leased by the bailiff.

Tolls of Knighton, £S 68. 8d., leased by the Earl of Oxford.

Lord's Mead in ditto, 7s. 4d., leased by R. Wright, Esq. In
arrears two years in 1784.

Two parcels of concealed land in Knighton, 2s.

Two small closes in ditto. Is. 2d. A parcel of concealed land
in Cefnferfin, 2s.

Concealed land called Tir Gwillim, Is. 5d. All leased to the
representatives of the late Bishop Harley.

Two sheds, in Knighton borough, 6d., leased to Edward
Allen, Esq.

The crown rents of Haynes' lease, were for the tolls,
£3 6s. 8d.; for the lands, £2 4s. 8d.; for the woods, &c.,
rented at £iO 10s., a crown rent of 3s. Id.

Ecclesiastical Account.

The cimrcli of E^diton is a pltun, modem Etrnctnre, erect«d in 1752, and
unifinuJy pewed. lie tower, whiclt is square and ancient, had originally a
roof of lead, but now elated. It contains aiz bells. The church is dedicated

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

]Q4 HISTORY OP BADNOOSHIRB.

This benefice ia a perpetual curacy, not in charge, stated in lAber Regit to
be of die certified value of £10 per anniun. It is situated in the deanerj' of
Clim and Wenlock, in the archdeaconry of Salop, and in the diocese of
Hereford. The wanlen of CluD Hospital is the patron. It has beoi twice
augmented by Queen Anne's bounty, and there is a glebe annexed to it. A
haodsome parsonage house was lately built near the church, on a very pictn*
rgfique and well chosen spot. The great tithes of this pariah, which, pnor to
the dissolution of reli^ous houses in the reign of Henry VTU., bdoD^ed to
the monastery of Malvern, in the county of Worcester, were purchased in the
reign of James I. from Sir Francis Maurice, Knight, and Francis Philips, Esq.,
by Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, ftr the endowment of his nospital
at Clun. Out of the annual rent of these tithee a certain proportjon is
reserved and allotted f<H' the service of the church. The occupier of the tithes
was the late Thomas Johnes, Esq., Cwmgwillau, leased to Mr. J. Brown. In
the chtirch-yard is a plain t«mb,

In

Ucmot7 of Makt, Wife of

Henri Barnslei, Gent.,

ob. the 12th day of Feb. 1774.

Aged 80.

The Barasleys of Knighton were a younger branch of the Bamileys of

Yerdisley Castle, in the county of Hereford. They possessed a conraderable

firoperty in and near this town, the greater part of which passed into the
B.mily of Price, by the marriage of John Price, £sq., with the daughter and
heiress cS Henry Bamsley, Esq., the last gentleman oi the iamily of that name
that redded in this adghbourhood.

On the outside of the church, adjoining the chancel, is the cemet^y
belonging to the respectable tkmily of Price.

Charitable Donations.

Mr. Thomas Merrick left by will, dat« unknown, a rent-charge on land,

now vested in Job Strangward, of £2, for teaching poor children.

In the year 1760, Lieuteoant-Colooel Winwood bequeathed a free gift in
land, of die yeariy value of X2, now vested in Job Strangward, for teaching
poor cluldren.

In the year 1774, Mrs. Mary Bamsley bequeathed, by will, the sum of £50,
the annual interest of which to be expendea in teaching poor cluldren. This
money is now vest«d in Henry Price, Esq.

In the year 1774, Judith Price, and John Price, gave a rent-charge of
£i 5a., secured by deed upon land, now vested in Richard Price, Esq., to be
laid out in purchuing bread for the poor.

In the year 1752, Andrew Clarke left, by will, the yearly sum of £2 10s.,
secured upon land, and now vested in John Lewis, for the benefit of the poor.

List of Incumbents.

Roger Powell 1600 Edward Daviea ITai

Robert Hilward 1603 RobeR Davies !T6I

William 8nead« 1717 Robert Harris IBIS

Taagbaa Davlea 17IB

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

The most remarkable article inserted in the parish
register is the following list of persons who did [
and were excommunicated : —

Bimaby Lloyd did peuBnee. Elliabeth Fslton did penance.

Richard Young did peoince. Dorotby Fonun did penuiee."

Catberiae Hodg«s did peaancs. No datM to the preceding.

" 1763.
Obsdiali Dowot did penance, and wu excommnnicated.

1778.
Ezcommmucated, Jsmea Cartwrig^t and Robert Lewis."

LLANBADARN I

It is bounded on the south by the parish of Llanbister,
on the south-west by Llanano, on the east by Llanfihangel-
Bugaildu, and on the north by the brook Nantu, and the
line that divides the two counties of Radnor and Mont-
gomery. It consists of one township only, but contains
two divisions, viz., the lordship of Ywgre, and the lord-
ship of Golon. The part belonging to the latter lordship
includes two-thirds of the whole parish, and contains
double the number of inhabitants ; yet it serves the over-
seership of the poor hut alternately with the part included
in the lordship of Ywgre. The present lords of the
mesne manor of Golon are C. Severn, Esq., of Penybont,
who married the heiress of the late John Price, Esq.,
banker, of that place, and D. Fields, Esq., of Cae-hach.
Id former times this manor and lordship were vested in
the ancient family of the Fowlers, of Abbey Cwmhir,
in this county, and were alienated forty years ago. The
manor of Ywgre, as part of the paramount manor of
Cantref Moelynaidd, belongs to the King of Great Britain,
and is very extensive, including several parishes and
townships. Some years ago, a litigation happened be-
tween the freeholders and the cottagers resident in this
manor, respecting the right of common. The former felt
themselves aggrieved by the encroachments made on their
sheep-walks by the latter, and, taking the law into their
own hands, levelled their inclosures, and pulled down their
cottages. The latter, presuming upon the illegality, or at
least the informality, of these proceedings, not having-
3b

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186 HISTORY OF RADNORBHIHB-

been authorized by an order issued from a court-leet, as
that form it seems was requisite, brought an action against
the trespassers, and obtained a verdict. The freeholders
have never been abie to set aside this decision, no court-
leet, of which the Earl of Oxford is the steward, having
ever since been holden. This policy of countenancing and
sanctioning private inclosures has invariably been pursued
by the Oxford family, ever since its first appointment to
the stewardship of Cantref Moelynaidd. In the reign
of Charles I. the scheme was defeated by the spirited
resistance of the freeholders ; but the renewal of it in the
the reign of George III. seemed to have been attended
with that success which the chicanery of law, and the
withholding of the legal means of redress, usually afford ;
or at least, through want of courage on the part of the
plaintiffs to lay the grievance before His Majesty in
council, as their ancestors had done.

The principal landed proprietors are Sir David Dun-
das, Knight, William Fields, Evan Stephens, Davies,
and Cheese, and Arthur Hague, Esqrs. ; Mr. Richard
Griffiths, of Gwainias, and Mr. George Oliver, of D61.
Only the two last mentioned gentlemen reside in the
parish.

This mountainous region, forming a chain of natural
fortifications, superseded the necessity of constructing for
its defence artificial mounds, or tumuli. There is, how-
ever, one large tumulus, bearing at present the denomi-
nation of Castell-y-Blaidd, i. e., the castle of Blaidd, the
original proprietor, who was the regulua of this district,
subject to his , superior lord or prince, the regulus of
Moelynaidd and Fferllys. It is situated on the left-
hand side of the road leading from Llanbadam-fynydd
to Llanfihaugel-Bugaildu, and is nearly equidistant from
each. This Blaidd was, contemporary with Brochwell
Ys-Gythrog,, Lord of Pengwern, or Shrewsbury, and
shared with him and others in the honour of inflicting
ample and merited vengeance upon the traitorous and
murderous Saxons, for their wanton destruction of tJie
venerable monastery of Bangor, and their bloody mass-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 187

acre of its innocent monks, (a.d. 617.) He vas also
great-great-grandfather to Meyric, who, in conjunction
with Meredudd, the great-great-grandson of Cadwgan,
eldest son of Ellistan Olodrudd, Lord of Moelynaidd
and Cerri, fell in the great battle of Buddywgr^, fought
with Roger de Mortimer, which terminated in the loss of
the territory, or manor, anciently denominated Swydd-
y-wgre. (a.d. 1144.) No druidical circles have been
met with, nor any relics of antiquity discovered.

About a century ago the Welsh language was generally
spoken in this parish, and even used in the Divine Service
of the Church ; and though many old people still con-
tinue to speak, and more to understand, the tongue of
their forefathers, yet, to the present race of young people
in general, it is become unintelligible and obsolete.

The many void houses which are seen scattered plenti-
fully over this parish, together with their dilapidated
remains, must appear on first view to the spectator a
melancholy object, and suggest the conviction that the
number of its inhabitants must have alarmingly de-
creased within the last century. But this appearance is
owing to the too prevalent practice of uniting many-
small farms into one, and suffering the buildings to fall
into decay and ruin. But to infer from this circum-
stance that the population must thereby have diminished
is to draw a premature conclusion ; because the cottages
erected on the wastes and commons exceed the number
of dilapidated dwellings on the cultivated lands. The
race of little farmers, who in former times supported
themselves and families with credit, has here, as in all
other parishes in the kingdom, become extinct, whilst the
rapid and overwhelming spread of pauperism excites
universal alarm. The last return of population consisted
of 226 males, and 234 females. The parochial assess-
ments made in the year 1803 amounted to the snm of
£277 13s. 5d., at 5s. 3d. on the rack rental. There is,
in this parish, a mineral spring, called Ffynon-Dafydd-
y-gof, I. «., the well of David the Smith, who was the
discoverer. This water is strongly impregnated with

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188 HISTORY OP RADN0R8HIHE.

sulphur, and has proved exceedingly efficacious in all
cutaneous and scorbutic affections.

Ecelesioitical Account.

The church of Lhubadam-fyuydd is dedicated to St. PwUm, or Patemiu,
who flouriBhed in the mxth century, and was one of the most iude&tigable
propagators of Cbristianitj in W^ee. It is rode and mean in its form and
constmction, and contains mmply one aisle, and one httle bell, which is
suspended in a box of wood at Uie west end of the edifice. Altogether, it
beuv a, stronger resemblance to an antique barn than to a temple destined to
the public worship of God. Its external length is 65} feet, and its breadth,
25 feet. It contains notiing worthy of notice, unless it be an old Gothic
window at the east end, and has neither monuments nor inscriptions.

Tliis benefice, of which the Chancellor of Brecknock is the patrrai, is
s pe^»etual curacy, not in ch&i^ annexed to the vicarage of Usnbister.
The mcumbent deiives from the tithes of the parish the sum of £10 per
annum only, which be receives from Colonel Brookes, of Noyodd, in the county
of Cardigan, to whom the remainder belongs. The whout tithes, it is said,
were anciendy the property of the prebend of the prebendary of Llanbist^
in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock, during his continuance in the said
prebend, of whom one of the ancestors of Colond Brookes leased them, with
the right of having the lease renewed by paying a certain stipulated fine.

The benefices of Llanbadam-lynyad aod Llanano being consolidated,
whatever lot of Queen Anne's bounty ia granted to the one is equally ap-
plicable to the augmentation of the other. Six au^entations have been
granted, and the money of four of them has been laid in the purchase of land ;
viz., of Cerrig-croes, in the pariah of Tj Bnhir ; of Maeahordu, in the parish of
Llanbister ; of Pant-glas, in the parish of Llanbister ; and of Bedw, in the
parish of Llanfihang^Bugaildu. The two first of these grants consisted of
£400 each, and the two last of £200 each. The remaining two are deposited
in the three per cent, consols. The total emolnment of this benefice amounts
at pesent to the annual sum of £50 3s.

The oldest parish register is dated 1724, and contwna no article meriting
transcription, unless it be the bnrial of Edward Freece, aged 105 years, in
1 736. The salubrity of the air in this parish is iarourable to the longevity of
its inhabitants, among whom the age of 100 years and upwards is a

This parish has no vicarage house, nor any dissenting place of worsh^
There are, however, in it ris (Ussenters, viz., four Anabaptists, and two Wea-
leyan Metiiodiats.

JJUt of iTicumbentt.

Morgan Jacob Wood 1740

CharitabU Donations,

In the aghth year of tiie reign of King James I. the Rev. Robert Barlowe
left a l^acy of i£10, in money, tlie legal interest of which is distributed
j'early by hb. John Smith, in whom the principal b vested, among the poor
mhabitants not chargeable to this pariah.

Another legacy of £10, in money, was beqnealiked by Mrs. Mai^;iret Lloyd,
the legal interest of which sum is distributed yeariy by Mr. Lloyd Jones, in
whom the principal is vested, among the poor of this parish not rec^ving
parochial reli^.

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HISTOBY OP RADNORSHIRE. 189

ITie parish of Llanbadarn-fynydd is situated in the
cwmwd of Uwch-mynydd, cantref of Elfael, now called
the hundred of Knighton, and contains somewhat more
than six thousand acres of inclosed and cultivated land,
and two thousand acres that are uninclosed, and uncul-
tivated.

The lineal descendents of Blaidd, the constructor of
Castell-y-61aidd, in this parish, are as follow, viz., —
Riryd, who begat Madawc, who begat Meyric, who was
slain in battle by Roger Mortimer. His grandfather,
Riryd, was first cousin and general to Madoc ab Mere-
dudd, Prince of Powis.

LLANANO.

The tutelary saint of this parish and church is Ado,
who lived about the end of the seventh century.

Benjamin Thomas, Esq., M.D., of Kington, in Here-
fordshire, Evan Stephens, Esq., solicitor, in Newton,
Montgomeryshire, whose paternal seat is Crughallt, in this
parish, recently rendered conspicuous by a fine grove of
timber, and Evan Stephens, Esq., land-surveyor, in the
town of Presteigne, Radnorshire, are the chief proprie-
toi^. The latter gentleman is owner of the site of Castle
Dynbod.

This strong and once impregnable fortress stood on the
summit, and at the northern extremity, of a high hill
called Crugyn, having a steep and inaccessible precipice
towards the river leithon. It occupied an area of 180
feet in circumference, but what the superstructure was
originally, it is now impossible to ascertain, as the founda-
tion of exterior walls is scarcely discernible, yet ap-
pearances indicate a quadrangular base, with massy towers
on the angles. On the eastern side is still standing a
solitary fragment of the outer wall, eighteen feet in height
and twelve feet thick, projecting considerably over its
base, and rendered by its elevated situation an interesting
object to the spectator placed at a great distance. Other
fragments weighing several tons, formerly undermined,
now lie prostrate in the moat beneath, bidding defiance

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190 HISTORY OF lUDNORSHIttE.

to the spoliation of maD, and to the destructive operation
of time. Around the castle, but divergiug to the south,
is a deep foss of considerable breadth, iuclosiDg a circular
plat or yard of 210 paces, formerly strengthened by a
stone wall, having apparently towers at intervals for ob-
Bervation as well as defence. Here probably stood the
keep. Along the declivity eastward are three parallel
intrenchments cut deep in the rock, and at a few paces
furtlier south-east are three more intrenchments, designed
undoubtedly to guard the more accessible approach. In
front of the fortification are several tumuli, hillocks, and
inequalities of ground, resembling ancient places of in-
terment afler some sanguinary contest. Whether these
sepulchral memorials contain the bones of the slain in the
siege of this fortress, in the year 1640, when it was taken
and demolished by Llewelyn ab Gruffudd, Prince of
Wales, in the course of his expedition into this country
against Roger Mortimer, Earl of Marche, and Lord of
Moelynaidd and Elfael, or in any preceding attack— for
it does not appear that it ever was subsequently rebuilt —
is one of those uncertainties in which the history of this
district is in general enveloped. For no memorial what-
ever exists, excepting that which records this catastrophe,
furnishing any information respecting its origin, its trans-
actions, or its destiny. Some light, perhaps, might be
collected from the etymology of the name, if its ortho-
graphy were reduced to a certainty ; but as this is not
the case, and as the pronounciation is various, the name
being written Dynbod, Dinboeth, and Daybod, each mode
bearing a different signification — the first meaning a forti-
fied mansion, the second an inflamed fortress, in allusion
to the probable manner of its destruction, the third
perhaps a corruption of Talebote, the name of a soldier of
fortune who accompanied William the Conqueror in his
enterprize against England— the difficulty of tracing its
history seems insurmountable. This difficulty is increased
by the complete substitution of the use of the English
language instead of the Welsh, which has taken place in
this parish, in the course of the two last centuries, whereby

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 1 9 1

all traditionary knowledge respecting its antiquities is
irrecoverably lost.

At the foot of a hill named the Railt is a spring of
mineral water called Ffynnon Newydd, or New Well,
which has often proved efficacious in scorbutic and scrofu-
lous complaints.

Besides Castell Dynbod, this parish contains also the
the remains of an ancient fortress, called Ty-yn-y-bwlch,
i. e., the house in the narrow pass or defile, situated on
an almost inaccessible rock in a narrow defile, and over-
hanging the river leithon. Tradition ascribes this to have
been one of the residences of the descendants of Ellistan
Glodrudd, the reguH of Moelynaidd, Cerri, and Elfael.

About one mile north-west from Crychallt, the family
seat of Evan Stephens, Esq., stands a conventicle belonging
to the religious aenoraination of Baptists, called the New
Chapel, erected in the year 1805, on the spot where formerly
the Society of Friends, or Quakers, had a meeting-house,
and burial-ground attached. On the decline of the latter
society, and the remaining members of which having
abandoned the place, the former took possession of the
ground, and founded thereon a neat chapel, which, in the
year 1814, was endowed by Mr. Williams, of Maes-yn-
nelem, in this parish, with several acres of excellent
meadow land on the bank of the river leithon.

EeeUidagtical Account.

The charch of Llaniuio is a amall antique stracture, coiuisting of a nave,
chancel, porcli, and low tower. The nave is separated &om the chancel b; ao
old and curious screen, resting on coiresponding pillara of wood, neatlj wrou^t
or carved, having niches for images, which, perlu^ia, were demolished at the
ReformaUon.

This benefice is a perpetual curacy, not in charge, annexed to the vicaWige
of Llanbister, and estimated in Liber Regis to be of the ceHified value of j£10
per annum. The Chancellor of the Collcgiat« Church of Brecknock is the

atron. The tithes of tliia parish are holden by the lay impropriator of Llan-
iter, who pays the L-urate of Llanano tlie above sum of £10 per annum for
performing the duty of the church, which salary has been augmented by two
lots of Queen Anne's bounty, viz., one of £200 in the year 1749, and another
of the same amount in 1781 ; eo that the aggregate amount of the curate's
emoluments exceeds the annual sum of £40.

Charitable Donation.
Li the eighth year of James I. lihe Rev. Bobert Barlowe left a rent-

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192 HISTORY OF RADNOHSHIRE.

charge apon Und, ftmounting to tlie yearly nun of fk 6d., now Teated in Ur.
John Smith, for tba benefit of tlie poor iababitanta of thia pariah not receiving
parochial rdief.

£uf of ItKitndtetUt.

Jacob Wood 1T&9 Jobo Pole;

Hargan Joaa 1TB9 John Reel Lewla

Joho Tbomia

The resident population of this parish, as it appears
from the return made in the year 1801, consisted of 208
individuals. The money raised by the parish rates, in the
year 1803, amounted to the sum of £99 3s. 8d., assessed
at 3s. in the pound on the rack rental.

LLANBISTBR.

This parish is very extensive, in length exceeding
twelve miles, and of a very irregular breadth, averaging
from three to five miles; and contains about 16,000 acres
of inclosed land, and nearly the same uninclosed and
hilly. It is divided ioto two portions, viz., the upper
and the lower division. The upper division consists of
two townships, viz., Golon and Cefn-y-pawl, both at-
tached to the chapel of Abbey Cwmhir. The lower
division consists of the townships of Bronllys, Carogau,
Cwm-Uechwedd, and Llan bister, with the hamlet of
Cwm-y-gast, which is attached to the parish of Llan-
guollo. It is bounded on the north by the parish of
Iilanbadam-fynydd, on the west by Llanano and Golon,
by the parish of Bugaildu on the east, and by Llan-
ddewi-ystrad-Ennau on the south. Its resident population,
according to the return made in the year 1801, consisted
of 940 individuals. The money raised by the parish
rates for the service of the year 1803 amounted in the
lower division to the sum of £475 ISa. 10^., and was
assessed at 3s. 6d. in the pound on the rack rental.

In this parish, particularly in the reputed lordship of
Golon, which is included in the ancient mesne-manor of
Swydd-y-wgre, a singular custom prevails, viz., the pay-
ment of a certain tax or tribute, called Clwt-y-Cyllell,
or knife money, which is imposed on a certain comer of
a field OB some estates, consisting of a certain number

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HISTOBY OF RADNORSHIRE. 193

of groats, amounting from 4d. to 133. 4d. There is a
payment likewise of chief rent, for grass and water.
These two payments amount to the annual sum of
£22 18s. 2^d.

Of antiquities this parish has no great cause for
boasting. No vestiges of ancient fortification could be
discovered, nor any druidical remains were visible. In
the year 1805, at a place named Cyfaelog, near to the
village of Llanbister, was dug up a great quantity of
freestone out of some ruins ; particularly a curious old
baptismal font ; whence it is conjectured that a religious
edifice oDce stood here, which, perhaps, was dedicated to
St. Cyfeilioc.

Two family mansions seem to merit notice ; more par-
ticularly a venerable mansion called Llynweot, which,
though a very considerable portion of it was taken down
in the year 1782, still contains many parts that bespeak a
high antiquity, aad considerable importance. It exhibits
at this day door-cases and windows arched with free-
stone, sculptured with rosettes, and various figures. The
timber frames also are curiously wrought and fluted.
This house seems to have been erected in the reign of
Queen Elizabeth, if not at an earlier period ; for, in the
year 1563, Moi^an Meredith, E^q., of Llynwent, served
the office of hi^ sherifi' for the county of Radnor, and
again in the year 1585, or his son.

Long prior to this era, and in an age when family
feuds produced the most direful disasters among relatives,
an act of the most atrocious nature was committed at
Llynwent. During the unguarded moments of a festive
carousal, two cousins-german, namely, John Hir, or John
the Tall, son of Philip Fychan, and David Fychan, quar-
relled about the extent of their patrimonial inheritance,
as parcelled out by the law of gavelkind, and fought with
swords, in which combat, the latter was run through the
body, and died on the spot. His death, however, did not
pass unrevenged ; for the sister of the slain, named Ellen
Cethin, who resided at Hergest Court, in the county of
Hereford, a woman of masculine strength, and intrepid
2c

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194 HISTORY OF RADN0B8HIBE.

Spirit, hearing of the disastrous issue of this family dis-
sension, and of the murder of her brother, repaired to
the adjoining^ parish of Llanddewi on the day in which
it had been previously fixed to hold a trial of archery.
Disguising herself in men's clothes, she challenged toe
best archer in the field. This challenge was no sooner
known than accepted by John Hir, who, entitled to the
first shot, fixed his arrow in the centre of the target.
Exulting at bis success, and confident of the victory, he
was followed by Ellen Cethio, who, instead of pointing
the head of her arrow in a line with the target, directed
its flight against the body of her cousin-german, John
Hir, which it pierced, and went through his heart.

Two miles north-east of the village of Llanbister is
an antique family mansion, called Croes-Cynon. This
name frequently occurs in places not at present distin-
guished by stone crosses. Cynon, or Cynan, was a
Welsh saint, who flourished in the sixth century. His
cross, or oratory, was erected at Croes-Cynon, his her-
mitage scooped in the rock named Craig-Gynon, and his
beverage was composed of the water of Nant-Cynon; all
these three are in this parish, and commemorate, if not
the personal residence of this saint, at least the profound
esteem in which He was holdeo by its ancient inhabitants.

Eccleriatti^ Account.

Tha positioa of Ae church of LUnbbter ni^eets anodMr probable deri-
TBtion of its name. Erected upon m tuxlxntj of dimennoDS bo sduU aa
to raider it necessary to place the quadrangular steeple on its eastern side,
tiby may not the church be indebtoa ftir its name to this circumBtaace? fiw
Llaii-bas-tir ngnifiee a church built on ahaUow eround. In Mr. Carhle'a
TopO^rwhkal Dictionaru of Walet, the church of Uanbistra- is erroneouslT
descnbeo to be situated on the bank of the river Tame, from -which it la
diatant at least twelve miles north-west. This is, ondoubtedJ}', a tjpocraphioat
en«r, which has substituted the river Tame instead of -the river laUiou. In
the jear 1701 this church was repaired, and reduced to ita present hei^t. It
consists of a nave, chancel, and a low tower contaiuine three bells, two of
which are verj- ancient Near it is B piece of land on wnich it was laiginBllj
intoided to have erected the church, but tradition reports that the accomjidish-
fiient of this design was prevented by the int^rrentdou of supernatural agency.
The tradition that a mpernatural bein^ carried awav in the night whatever
Was bnilt of the church during the da/ u still kept alive, because the warden
clums an annual rent of Ss. ^ for Ui« vacant and nnconsecrated site of th«
MiginaUy Intended chnreh.

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BISTORT OP BADNOBBHISE. l9d

^[liii boiefitK u t discfaarged vicu«(^ esdmated in XiSer Ami at iCS 1 1 8. 5j<i ,
but certified to be of the clear yearij Tslue of X38. 'Die yeailj teti^ba
are 13s. l^d. The Bidtop of St. David's is the patron. The tithes era ii
■i«te,andb' ' ^ . .

The Ticar's portion is one fourth of the whole. His present emoluments a
■apposed to amouut tAtbesumof X120peraimuii. The cborcfa of LUnbiater
teems to be not onlr the meet ancient, but also a mother-churcb; for the
churches of Llanbadam-fynydd, Llauano, IJanddewi, and Uanfihangel, are
all governed by the teirier tn Uianbisler. The parish r^ifter commenced in
dw7earl661.

Charitabla Donattoiu.

la the eighth year of Jamee L the Bev.. Robert Bsrlowe gave the mm
of £1, now Tested in Ur. John Smith, to be yeariy distributed in bread to
the poor inhabitants of this parish.

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth a certain prebend of this church gave the
sum of £1, to be annually distributed among the poor iuhaUtauta of this

b 1734 Mr. Silvanus Williams bequeathed the sum of £2 10b., bong the
annua] interest arising from the principal, £50, for the pur^se of teaching
pOOT children to read the Bible, and ckithiug them; this auntf ii now Ttetea
in Mr. £Tao Williams.

Lot oflneumbetM.

I7£0

Waller Vaughan 173S Jacob Wood 1768

JoflhaaThoniBS 174S David Llo;d 1780

LLANDDBWI-ra

This parish is divided into two townships, viz., the
church, or Uanddewi-ystrad-Ennau.and Maes-tre-rhos-
Llowddi. The money raised by the parish rates for the
service of the year 1801 was, for the township of the
church, £146 5s. 4d., and assessed at 2s. 4^d. in the
pound ; for the township of Maes-tre-rhds-Llowddy,
£103 Us. 4d., and assessed at 4s. 9d. in the pound.

The vale of Uanddewi is narrow, but singularly beau-
tiful and fertile. No part of the county surpasses it in
abundance and variety of produce. Llanddewi Hall and
estate formerly belonged to the ancient family of Hanmer,
and about the year 1726 passed over by purchase to
Edward Burton, Esq., of Fron-Ists, in the parish of
Llandegel, who devised the property to a genUeman of
Shrewsbury who bore the same name, but was in no way
related.

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196 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

We proceed now to describe the existing remaias of the
antiquities that are so numerous in this parish, and take
our first stand on the extensive common of Moelynaidd,
which gave its name to a territory consisting of one hun-
dred townships, and extending from the river Wye to the
Severn. That name lives now only in this common, on
which formerly resided the fifth royal tribe of Wales, and
which has been the scene of most sanguinary and decisive
contests. This fact is rendered indisputably evident by
the line of intrenchments still visible, and which com-
mences a quarter of a mile north-west from the river,
Cwmarqn, or Cwmarafon, presenting a camp of an oval
or eUiptical form, extending in circumference about
4104 yards, and being 76 yards in length, and 54
in breadth, situated on an open plain, witn an avenue
to the west, and having the principal entrance defended
by a double ditch and rampart on the east. Proceeding
in the same line one mile westward, Cwm-Cefn-y-Gaer,
another more extensive encampment, presents itself, of a
circular fonn, occupying the summit of an elevated hill,
and containing an area of at least twelve acres of land ;
its south side is obtended by an extensive valley, and a
champaign country lies opposite, with the Gaer Pool con-
tiguous. Advancmg along the summit of the hill,
opposite to Llanddewi, and impending over the river
leithon, we discern another stupendous camp, exceeding
the tatter in dimensions, called the Gaer, a parallelogram,
with the angles rounded, and evidently of Roman origin by
its construction, being in the vicinity of a Roman ystrad
and station. It occupies the brow above the village of
Llanddewi, which in that direction, with Coed Lladron on
the west, seems impervious to the military and destructive
machinations of man.

The author still persists in thinking that these works
were originally constructed by the Silures, whose bravery
and determined spirit their number and contiguity suffi-
ciently demonstrate ; and that the third here mentioned,
and designated Glaer, was, after the expulsion of the
Silures, occupied by the Romans, and used by them,

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BISTORT OF RADNORSBIBE. 197

either as an exploratory camp, to which purptue its
elevated situation, commanding extensive prospects, is
admirably adapted, or by its impregnable formation by
nature, especially on its western side, confronting the
country of the assailants, as an instrument to secure and
extend their conquests. In a period many centuries sub-
sequent to this transaction, and on a similar calamity,
when the Normans and ^xous under the conduct of
Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, in the year 1141, and of
Hugh Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, in the year 1144,
invaded the lordships of Cantref Moelynaidd and Elfael
respectively, the inhabitants, commanded by the des-
cendants of Ellistan Glodrudd, the British regulus of
FferHys, Moelynaidd, and Cerri, viz., Idnerth, Madoc,
and Cadwallon, successively, flocked to these camps, and
defended their country, till the demon of discord infected
the minds of their natural guardians, and paralyzed their
efforts. Howel and Cadwgan, the two brave sons of
Madoc, quarrelled, fought, and perished by each other's
sword. Eineon Clydd, Lord of Elfael, seized upon the
person of his elder brother and superior lord, Cadwallon,
and sent him a prisoner to Henry IL, King of England,
with whom the Princes of Powis, the constitutional de-
fenders of this district, had formed a traitorous alliance.
The country, thus left defenceless and destitute of succour,
fell a victim to the rapacity of Hugh Lupus ( 1 142) ; and
though afterwards recovered, it was again invaded by
Hugh Mortimer, who took Rhys ab Howel (1144) and
many others prisoners, and slew in battle Meyric ab
Madawc ab Riryd ab Blaidd, together with Meredith ab
Madoc ab Idnerth (1 145). After a long series of reverses,
victory and success once more smiled on this country,
whose lord, Cadwallon, now escaped from prison, and
reconciled to his brother Eineon Clydd, formed a coalition
with his valiant relative Rhys, Prince of South Wales.
Their combined exertions Irustrated the ambitious schemes
of Henry II. , King of England, defeated the Anglo-
Normans in several encounters, (a.d. 1165,) regained the
possession of all Moelynaidd and Elfael, and assisted their

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198 HISTORY OF HADKORSHIRE.

countrymen io distant parts to emancipate themselves
from the yoke of Norman oppression. About ten years
after this event, (a.d. 1175,) Prince Rhys, reflecting on
the debilitated state of Wales, and the disunion of its
princes, persuaded his tvro nephews, or cousins-german,
Gadwallon and Eineon, to follow his example, and submit
to do homage to the King of England. This submission,
however, was unable to restrain the rapacity of the
Normans ; and Moelynaidd continued to be for many
years an object of hostility and contest. At length
Roger Mortimer, son of Hugh, and Earl of Marcne,
having raised a numerous force of veteran troops, invaded
this cantref, or territory, and after several battles of
various success, (a.d. 1194,) overpowered the two sons of
Cadwallon, seized their estates, and fortified and garrisoned
the castle of CwmarafoD, erected some years before, and
in which he is said to have resided, and kept his baronial
court in great stale and splendour.

The castle of Cwmaron is situated on a small elevation,
about two miles hence, bordering on the river of the same
name. The site presents a square grass plat of ground,
each side containing forty-four yards, and remarkably
green, indicative of human occupation, and having a
farm-house of that name on the eastern angle. It is sur-
rounded with a foEs of great depth, and a high rampart.
Adjoining, on the south side, stands a large tumulus, the
circular base of which is surrounded by a deep excava-
tion, cut in a schistous rock. No part of the superstructure
of the castle at present remains, so that it is impossible
to ascertain the form, or materials, of its construction.
On the south-east is a deep romantic glen, through the
centre of which runs the river Cwmaron along a fertile
bottom, whose opposite sides, broken by rugged preci-

gices, bear a striking contrast to the barren common of
loelynaidd adjoining. In the farm-house on the spot
is preserved a cannon ball, weighing nine pounds, found
a few years since on the premises. It is conjectured that
with this ball the republicans, in the time of the usurpa-
tion, battered and demolished the walls of this fortress.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 199

There were also fonnd two eartbeo pipes, sixteen inches
long, supposed to have been used for the purpose of
conveving water into some part of the castle. The
retention to this day of its Welsh appellation gives an
air of probability to the traditional conjecture, that this
was a military post of defence used by the Silurian in-
habitants. The advantages of the situation attracted the
notice of the Norman invaders in the eleventh century,
who erected a kind of fortress on the spot, which was
soon after indignantly destroyed by the Welsh; re-edified
by Hugh Lupus, in a second invasion of this district,
made in the year 1143; devolved by marriage on Hugh
Mortimer, in 1145; dispossessed by Cadwallon ab Madoc,
in 1175, but retaken by Roger Mortimer, in the year
1194. Llewelyn ab Groffudd, Prince of Wales, in the
year 1360, dispossessed the Mortimers of the whole of
Cantref Moelynaidd and Elfaei, and consequently of this
castle; but after his death, in 1282, this territory and
castle were conferred by Edward L on Roger Mortimer,
Earl of Marche and Wigmore, on whose attainder for
high treason, in the reign of Edward UL, this castle and
lordship escheated to the crown of England. The royal
pardon having soon after restored this powerful family
to their honours, privileges, and estates, this property
remained in the possession of the Mortimers till the
accession of the Duke of York to the throne, under the
title of Edward IV., when it became the patrimonial in-
heritance of the Kings of England.

On the summit of an eminence a little west of the
village of Llanddewi, and in a line opposite to the Qaer
encampment, is a remarkably large tumulus, or barrow,
composed entirely of earth, and surrounded by a deep
foss and high rampart of the same. It forms a very con-
spicuous object at a considerable distance, and is named
by the common people Bedd-y-Gr^, i. e., the grave of
the Gr^. It is situated in a cwmwd which still retains
the name of Swydd-y-Gir^, t. e., the office or jurisdiction
of the Gr^. No rational or satisfactory account has
yet been given* or perhaps can be given, at this remote

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200 HtSTOttT OF RADNORSHIBE.

period, devoid of all memorials relating to the Bubject,
of the origin, use, and destinatioa of this stupendous
tumulus. Tradition reports it to be the sepulchre of a
chieftain of this name, who, if we may argue from the
uncommon magnitude and solitary aspect of this barrow,
must have been a person of the most illustrious, if not
royal, rank and distinction. It is a pity, therefore,
tradition did not also add some particulars respecting
the character and services of a hero of whom history is
totally silent. This objection militates so strongly against
the admission of this hypothesis, as to induce several
inquirers to contend that the word JBedd ought to be
written Budd, and that Budd-y-Gre was originally a mili-
tary station, as the appendage of a surrounding moat
evinces, and being opposed to the fortification on the
right bank of the leithon, denominated Gaer, and signi-
fying in the English language, according to the Cambrian
Register, the race of victory, was the scene of a victorious
combat. This opinion derives considerable weight from
comparing these two fortifications upon the leithon with
two exactly similar ones on the right and left banks of
the river Usk, above the town of Brecknock, one of
which is also designated Gaer ; and both the one and the
other being originally works of the Romans, as the name
testifies, point out the different and opposite lines of
attack in which that people invaded the kingdom of
Siluria, planting with one detachment the Roman eagle
on the western bank of the Usk, whilst with the other
they took a position on the eastern side of the leithon. It
appears, therefore, that Budd-y-Gre was attacked by the
Gaer, and, on that occasion, either obtained a decisive
victory, or sustained a complete defeat; demonstrating,
whatever the event may have been, the vigorous and
spirited resistance of the inhabitants.

About three miles south-west, on a hill named Camlo,
is a huge cam, which was opened a few years since foir
the purpose of investigating its contents. It consisted
of thirty or forty cart-loads of unhewn stone. Its cir-
cumference was composed of a circular range of c

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HISTORY OF RADHORSHIBE. 201

stones rising gradually to the centre, which is always
most protuberant, and approaching in configuration to a
cone. On this being cleared, a rude chest or coffer of
stone, of an oblong figure, presented itself, about four
feet long and two feet wide, placed in the direction of
north and south, and covered with two large flat stones.
On these being removed, a vacant space of nearly the
depth of one foot appeared. This having been perforated,
a stratum of ashes of a reddish colour, and beneath it
another stratum of a blue colour, were exhibited. To the
latter succeeded the native soil. The chest displayed a
rude construction of two large stones on the sides, and one
at each end, the angles being strengthened and supported
by others of a lai^e dimension. To examine the whole
more minutely, it became necessary to remove the earth
from the external sides of the chest to its base, or
foundatitm ; which being done, a deposit of burnt bones,
carefully concealed in an arched concavity made in the
earth, was discovered ; and the stones with which this
deposit was surrounded bore evident marks of ignition,
and that so intense, that the whole appeared remarkably
red, and of a brittle quality, and were in a great degree
vitrified.

This hill possesses two other earns, which are of con-
siderably inferior magnitude to the one now described.

Ecclesiajitical Account.

Tbe church of Lkaddewi-ystrsd-Eonau is situated in a pleasant bottom,
almost encircled by hills, and in the centre of the yillage, conristing of a few
houses, oDQ of which is Llanddewi Hall, the seat of the Hanmers and Burtons.
It ie a neat modernized edifice, and con^Ets of a nave and chanc«l, cont^ning
two small tablets erected in commemoration of PhillipB and Burton. It is
dedicated to St. David.

Utis benefice is a perpetual curacy, not in cbai^ annexed to tbe vicarage
of Llanbister, stated in Liber Regis to be of the certified value of £\i per
annnm. The prebendary of Llanbister is the patron. According to the
diocesan report pabliBhed in the year 1809, the total emotuments of this
benefice, arising norn augmentation, fixed stipend, and surpUce-fees, amounted
to the yearly sum of £35 15s.

Charitable Donalums.
In the d^th year of the reign of King James I. the Bev. Robert Barlows
bequeathed by will, to the use and benefit of the poor of this parish, a rent-
charge upon Und chT 10s. per annum, now vested in John Siuit£.

2d

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202 HISTORY OF RADNOBSaiRB.

likmrise the amoa of £1, and of lOa., ^ren beqneftihed to the use and

benefit of the poor of this parish, and are now vested, the former in Edvard
GrifBtha, the latter in James Moore, by two persons whose names are unknown,
in the jeai unknown, and whether by will or deed, also unknown.

Crown Menu.

Land and a tenement in this pariah, of the grosa annual rent of 6b. 8d., in
the occupation of Mr. Ezeklel FaUrer.

A close on Ceth-y-gaer Hill, of tiie gross annual rent of 2s. fid., in the
holding of Edward Burton, Esq.

This name is a Saxon compound, derived from stan,
stony, and hoge, a hill. It is synonymous with the Latin
appellation mons lapidosus, and with the British Pencer-
rig, and signifies a " stony summit."

Stanage is a distinct and independent lordship, situated
on the point of junction between the three counties of
Radnor, Hereford, and Salop, and is included in the
former. It constitutes a part, however, of the pariah of
Brampton- Brian, in Herefordshire; but appoints its own
overseer, and maintains its own poor; and is only
considered with the parish of Brampton -Brian, as to the
payment of church-rates, and the ballot for the militia,
the quota of it serving with that of the rest of the parish
for the county of Hereford. Its average length is about
three miles, width about two. The number of inhabitants
is probably less than it was a century ago, as many
cottages have been pulled down. The poor-rates seldom
exceed the sum of £180 per annum. The tithes of
Stanage are appropriated to the Hospital of Clun, in the
county of Salop, founded by Henry Howard, Earl of
Northampton, in the reign of James I., King of England.
There is at present no charity school established at
Stanage. The inhabitants have a right to send their
children to a school at Brampton -Brian, founded in the
year 1720, and endowed by Edward Harley, Esq., audi-
tor of Her Majesty's Exchequer, and brother of Robert
Harley, Esq., the great statesman in the reign of Queen
Anne.

Stanage, though compelled by the fate of war to receive
for a long series of years an appellation taken from the

D,=;,lz...,C00g[c

HISTORY OF RAUNOnSHIRE. 203

SaxoD language only, is supposed on probable grounds to
be a lordship of much higher antiquity than the era of the
Saxon invasion, occupied and inhabited by some of the
British reguli of this district, the site of whose habitation
still remains entire and unmutilated at Lower Stanage. It
is placed in the hollow of the valley, and upon the brink of
the river Tame, where they enjoyed at once conveniency
of water, and security from winds. It consists of a large
tumulus surrounded with a trench, and of an oblong area
of ground, likewise encircled and fortified with a trench.

The circular tumulus was the court of judicature ; and
it also served occasionally as the audience hall of the
chieftain, whose more appropriate and retired apartments
for himself and family were erected upon the oblong area.
Here stood the principal building ; and around this were
several others of various forms and dimensions, for the
accommodation of his followers, who lived immediately
about the person of their chief, or in little bodies along
the windings of the valley, that they might be within
reach of the usual signal of the lord, which was the
striking of the shield, or the blowing of the horn. There
is also, on the adjoining hill, called Reeves' Hill, an in-
trenchment, or camp, of nearly a square form, of which
a sketch is given. It is now planted with trees. This
fortification served either as a place of retreat to the chief
when forced by the enemy from his habitation below, or
as an exploratory camp, to which latter purpose it seems
well calculated, for it commands a most extensive pro-
spect, comprehending the Wrekin Hill, near the town of
Wellington, in Shropshire, the Stretton Hills, the Brown
Clee, the Titterstone, and the Stopperstone, together with
Walcot Park, near the town of Biahop's Castle, to the
north-west.

It is a circumstance much to be regretted, that no
authenticated list of the British Lords of Stanage, or
explanation of the origin of the numerous military
vestiges, of remote antiquity, in which this neighbourhood
abounds, has been transmitted to posterity. No docu-
ment exists to guide and animate the researches of the

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304 HISTOBY OF RADNOIISHIRE.

antiquary, who is left to the operation of probable
deduction alone. As the site of the last conflict of the
renowned Caractacus with the Roman invaders of hia
country, namely, Caer Caradoc, lies at a short distance,
and as the line of the river Tame must have formed a
part of his nine campaigns, or of the campaigns of his
brave successors, who revenged his captivity, and long
resisted the Roman yoke, the supposition that the con-
temporary regulus of Stanage, whose name is unrecorded
by fame, served in one of those campaigns, and that the
camp on Reeves' Hill served as a point of retreat to his
troops discomfitted in the attack made by the enemy on
Coxall Knoll-— both of these intrenchments lying within
sight of, and at a short distance from, each other — carries
with it no inconsiderable degree of probabihty.

The first printed authority which mentions Stanage is
Domesday Book, in which it is thus described : —

" Osbornua fil. Ric. tenet Stanage. Ibi 6 Hidie. 1^ e. 2 Car.
Wasta fuit 7 est. Ibi 3 Hida."

Thus rendered into English, —

" Osbem, the son of Richard, holde Stant^e. There are six
hides. The land consists of two carucates. It hath been, and
etill remains, waste. There are three hides."

The six hides, and the three hides, above mentioned,
comprehend both the Upper and Lower Stanage. Osbem
was a Norman officer of fortune, who accompanied
William the Conqueror into England, and was a favourite
of that monarch, who gave him Stanage as a reward for
his services. How long this lordship remained in the
possession of his descendants is unknown. In the thirty-
ninth year of Henry HI. it belonged to Sir Brian ae
Brampton, of Brampton-Brian Castle. After his decease
it devolved to his only son and heir. Sir Walter de
Brampton, from whom it descended to his only son and
heir, Sir Brian de Brampton. This gentleman had two
daughters, viz., Margaret, the eldest, who was married
to Robert Harley, and conveyed the Brampton-Brian
estate to that family. The second daughter was named

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HIBTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 205

Elizabeth, and received the hand of Sir Edmund de
Coniewall, graodson of Richard, Earl of CornewaU,
King of the Romans, brother to Henry III., King of
England, and Lord of Radnor. To this gentleman were
allotted, by virtue of his marriage with this lady, the
lordships of Stanage, Stepleton, near the town of Pres-
teigne, and Downton, near the borough of Radnor. Of
a descendant of the Cornewalls, who were also Barons of
Burford, the lordship of Stanage was purchased by John
Powell, Esq., a merchant of London and Hamburgh,
who served the oflBce of high sherift" for the county of
Radnor in the year 1641. His son, Samuel Powell, Esq.,
succeeded to this property ; he also was high sheriff for
this county in the year 1654. The last proprietor of
Stanage of this name and family was Folliott Powell, Esq.,
who served the office of high sheriff for this county in the
year 1725. Soon after this gentleman's decease, it was
conveyed to the family of Richard Knight, Esq., of Croft
Castle, in the county of Hereford ; and at the marriage
of his daughter and sole heiress with Thomas Johnes,
Esq., it passed into the possession of that gentleman.
His son, Thomas Johnes, Esq., of Hafod, in Cardigan-
shire, member of Parliament for the county of Radnor,
and subsequently for the county of Cardigan, sold it, in
the year 1779, to the present worthy and hospitable
proprietor, Charles Rogers, Esq., who, being a younger
SOD of an ancient family, established since the reign of
Henry H., King of England, at the Home, near the town
of Bishop's Castle, in the county of Salop, and having
added to his fortune by commercial pursuits in the city of
London, has iixed upon Stanage, as a seat of retirement
and ease from the bustle of the world, which all wish to
enjoy in the decline of life. His constant residence at
Stanage is sufficient to entitle him to the denomination
of a Radnorian gentleman ; but he has other pretensions
to this distinction, for he is descended by the maternal side
from an ancient and a respectable family of the name of
Clarke, once possessing considerable property, and many
years residing in the parish of Blaiddfa, in this county.

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206 B18TORY OF RADTTORSHIRE.

Two gentlemen of this family were high sheriffs for this
county, viz., John Clarke, in the year 1715, and John
Clarke, in the year 1738. The present proprietor and
Lord of Stanage served the office of high sheriff for this
county ia the year 1805, and endeavoured at great expense,
and with the commendable perseverance of three years
successively, to promote the interests of the district, and
increase the comforts of the inhabitants, by a generous
and patriotic attempt to discover that most useful fossil,
coal, in the neighhourhood of Presteigne.

From this brief detail of the descent and transmission
of this property, it appears that the lordship of Stanage
has, from the earliest times, passed successively through
some of the most powerful and opulent families established
in this part of the kingdom, and came twice into the
possession of commercial gentlemen ; thereby evincing
the benefits that result from an extended trade to indi-
viduals, as well as the nation in general.

Stanage House is situated on the summit of a ridge
between two hills, commanding a most delightful and
extensive view to the east over the richly cultivated
counties of Hereford and Salop, and on the old site, and
partly on the foundations of a lai^e mansion, to which
the ancient park of Stanage belonged, and of which a small
part yet exists.

pain's castle hundred.

The territory, now denominated Radnorshire, lying
between Brecknockshire and Montgomeryshire, two dis-
tricts conquered almost simultaneously by Bernard de
Newmarche and Baldwin, was soon after their conquest
exposed thereby to the inroads of the enemy. It continued,
notwithstanding, to make a vigorous resistance, under
the government of its native reguli, among whom, the
patriotism of Idnerth ab Cadwgan ub Ellistan Glodrudd
shone with conspicuous lustre. Assaulted, however, on
all sides, and deprived of the succour of South Wales,
which now had no head, and receiving no assistance from
the Princes of Powis, who had formed an alliance with

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 307

the king and nobles of England, it was unable, alone
and defenceless, to preserve its independence, and to avert
any longer its dismemberment. The first act of hostility
was directed against Cadwgan, the father of Idnerth, and
coiiducted by Bernard de Newmarche, Lord of Brecknock
and Buallt, and by Paganus de Cadurcis, or Payne of
Cahours, now Quercy, in the province of Guienne, in the
kingdom of France. These two generals, companions in
arms, passed over the Wye, and succeeded in possessing
themselves of Glasbury and Pain's Castle. This conquest
was secured by erecting, in the year 1 100, a very strong
and formidable fortress, called after the name of its
founder. Pain's Castle, which, in a subsequent era, viz.,
four centuries after its construction, was deemed of such
great importance as to merit the singular honour of
perpetuating its own appellation by affixing it to the
liundred now under consideration. Paganus, or Pain,
who, some time after, was killed In a tournament, and
whose body was conveyed to Gloucester, and interred in
the cathedral church of that city, by the side of his
friend and ally, Bernard de Newmarche, where is a stone
with this inscription, "Hie jacet Paganus de Cadurcis,"
t. c, " Here lieth Pain, of Cahours, or Quercy," left this
property to his son Thomas. He died without male issue,
and his only daughter and heir conveyed it by marriage
to the family of De Braos, whose ancestor had married
Bertha, grand -daughter of Bernard de Newmarche, and
daughter of Milo, Earl of Hereford, and, in virtue of
that marriage, was created Lord of Brecknock and Buallt.
These possessions, by a similar right of conveyance, sub-
sequently passed to the family of Mortimer.

This transfer of the patrimonial inheritances of the
Welsh reguli of Elfael and Moelynaidd was facilitated by
a series of disastrous events in addition to those already
related. The death of the brave Madoc ab Idnerth, who
preserved Radnorshire and Cerri entire; the impolitic
divisions of this property in conformity to the law of
gavelkind ; the bloody quarrels among his children in
consequence of that distribution ; and the base assassina-

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208 HISTOBY OF RADNORSHIRE.

tion of his younger son, Eineon Clyd, or Eineon Glawd,
t. c, Eineon the venerable, or Eineon with the fair
countenance, effected by the Flemings and Normans, on
the mountaina of Cardiganshire, as he was returning from
Aberteifi, where he assisted at the celebrated festivities
holden in that town by his father-in-law, Prince Rhys;
— these were sad reverses, which must have contributed
greatly to the success of the rapacious enterprizes of the
Normans. Accordingly, we find that Philip de Braos,
Lord of Buallt, Robert de Todeni, Lord of Clifford,
together with Ralph de Baakerville, Lord of Eardisley,
completed the overthrow of Cantref Elfael, and divided
among themselves the remaining estates of Eineon Clyd,
or Glawd, particularly Clyro, Boughrood, Colwyn and
Aberedw. Some time after this seizure, a spark of honour
was rekindled in the breasts of the usurpers of his patri-
mony ; for, through the liberality of Walter, Bishop of
Hereford, Eioeon's eldest son, Walter Fychan, was rein-
stated nominally in the possession of Cantref Elfael, but
substantially only in a certain portion of it; in whose
descendants, of the name of Vaughan, this property
remained for several generations, and indeed to a very
recent period ; of whom, was Roger Vaughan, Esq., of
Clyro, who served the office of high sheriff for the county
of Radnor in the year 1580, and subsequently for that
of Hereford. It became then subdivided, partly by
marriage, and partly by purchase, among the families of
Whitney, Williams, Howarth, &c., and at present rests
principally with Walter Wilkins, Esq., of Maeslough, in
the parish of Glasbury,

Pain's Castle hundred contains twelve parishes, viz.,
BettWB Clyro, Boughrood, Bryngwin, Cl^bury, Clyro,
Llanbedr, Llanddewi-fach, Llandeilo-graban, Llanste-
phan, Llowes, Michaelchurch, or Llanfibangel-ar-Arrwy,
and Newchurch. All these were anciently comprized
within those divisions called Cantref-y-Clawdd, and
Cwmwd Penwyllt, and are at present situated within the
Cantref Elfael.

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HtSTOBY OF RADNORSHIRE.

BETTWS CLTRO.

This small parish is included in the parish of Clyro,
and chiefly distinguished by having on its north-eastern
quarter a Roman road, advancing from Qaer, a Roman
camp in the parish of Llanfihangel-ar-Arrwy, or Michael-
church, upon the Arrow, to a place named Pen-yr-heol,
in this parish, and thence diverging towards a farm-house
called Tu-yo-yr-heol, in a southern direction, towards
the river Wye, which it crossed near to the bridge of the
town of Hay.

Bettws Clyro maintains its own poor, and collects its
parochial assessments separately and distinctly, which, for
the service of the year 1803, amounted to £197 4b. O^d.,
raised at Is. in the pound. Its population consisted in
theyear 1801 of 164 individuals.

The benefice of Bettws Clyro is a chapelry, not in
charge, annexed to the vicarage of Clyro, of no certified
value, and consolidated with ^e benefice of Clyro, under
the same institution and induction.

It contains on an average about 1000 acres of inclosed
and cultivated land, and nearly 500 acres uninclosed and
uncultivated.

This parish has passed through the hands of divers

groprietors. In the year 1140, it was the property of
lioeon Clyd, the younger brother of Cadwallon, Lord of
Moelynaidd, who was murdered on his return from Car-
diganshire, as before related. The possession of it was
then seized by the Norman usurpers; and, pursuant to a
new division of the spoils, it devolved upon the Bishop
of Hereford, who had the generosity to restore it to the
rightful heir, Walter Fychan, son of Eineon. A part of
the wall of the old castle of Boughrood, in which Eineon
and his descendants for several generations resided, was
standing a short time since, and the moat with which it
was surrounded remains to this day. This castle, together
with the lordship of Trewern Boughrood, constituted a
part of the property of Sir Richard Chace, whose only
2e

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310 HISTORY OF RADirORSHIRE.

daughter and heir was the third wife of John Price, Esq.,
of Knighton, in this county, the grandfather of Richard
Price, Esq., the present representative of the borough of
Radnor in Parliament. Their issue was two sons, viz.,
Chace Price, Esq., member of Parliament, first, for the
borough of Leominster, in the county of Hereford, and
afterwards for the county of Radnor; and Richard Price,
Esq., late of the borough of Knighton. The former
gentleman, being a bon-vivant, died in embarassed cir-
cumstances, and. had contracted a large debt to govem-
ment. An extent was issued for the recovery of this
debt, and the Boughrood estate was sold to discharge it.

An estate called the Noyadd, in this parish, remained
for centuries in the possession of the Whitney family,
obtained originally by the marriage of Hugh Whitney,
Esq., of Whitney Court, in the county of Hereford,
with Catherine, daughter of William Vaughan, Esq., of
Maeslough, in the parish of Clasbury.

According to the return made in the year 1801, the
resident population of this parish consisted of 285 indi-
viduals. The parochial assessments for the service of
the year 1803 amounted to the sum of £226 14s. 66.,
assessed at Is. 6d. in the pound.

Ecclesiastical Account.

The ehurcli of Boughrood consists of a nave and chancel, divided by a
timber partition, a tower contwning three bells, a. porch having a lavacrum
on the right of the entrance. The interior is dark, irregularly pewed, and
contains nothing remarkable. It is dedicated to SL Cynog.

The beneUce of Boughrood is a discharged vicarage, estimated in Liber
Regis e.t£lii 6b. 8d.

The prebend of Boughrood, in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock, to
which is annexed the perpetual curacy of LlaiD>edr, Pain's Castle, is estimated
in Lib^ Regis to be worth annually 13b. 4d.

Lin of Incwnbents.

Charitable Donationi.
In the year 1686 the Bev. Mr. Powell bequeathed by deed the umiial

sum of XS, charged upon certain lands, and vested in trustees, viz,, Sir Edward
Williams, Bart., Hon. and Rev. John Harley, D.D., John Morgan, Esq.,
Waher WiUdns, Esq., M.F., Charies Powell, Philip Williams, Walter Jefitrys,

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HISTORY OF RADTTORSHIRE. 211

Samnel Hughee, Jolm Bullock Uayd, Esqra., Rev. John Waiianu, dei^ for
binding out poor children of this parish apprentices.

WilJjBm John bequeathed by will, and vested in the parishioneM, a rent-
charge of £1 4s., secured Q|)oa land, to be diatribnted yearif among twelve
poor paiiflhionem of this pansh.

CLASBURT.

AHbough the river Wye is in general the separating
boundary of the two counties of Ii^dnor and Brecknock,
yet this parish violates this arrangement, and stretches
Itself on both sides of that line, having its parochial
church on the Brecknockshire, and a considerable part
of its territory, viz., the township or portion of Pipton,
on the Radnorshire quarter. Thus, the Radnorshire por-
tion of Glasbury, which lies on liie right bank of the
Wye, being a part of the conquered territory which
Bernard de Newmarche, the Norman Lord of Brecknock
and Buallt obtained of Cadwgan, the Welsh l-ord of
Elfae], Moelynaidd, and Cerri, was annexed to his larger
property that was situated on the left bank of that river;
and, on the formation of the four new counties of South
Wales, in the reign of Henry VIIL, King of England,
this baronial arrangement was adhered to, and the Rad-
norshire and Brecknockshire Glasbury were made to
constitute one parish, each, however, maintaining their
own poor, raising their own quota of militia, and assessing
their own rates, severally, distinctly, and separately, and
the inhabitants of both having an equal right to the use
and service of the church, which is situated on the Breck-
nockshire side of the Wye ; the boundaries between the two
counties in this parish being Ffordd-fawr and Llwyneu-
bach, one half of a mile from tbe river, southwardly ;
then turn east and west ; then turn angularly south-west,
by Glasbury Church, to the left ; cro^ the -turnpike road,
and return through the Sconces into Wye.

Few vestiges of antiquity are discoverable in this
parish. There are, in certain situations, small encamp-
ments, and barrows, of Welsh construction, of which
tradition is totally silent. Nor is it supposed that any
castle was ever erected here. The proximity of those two

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312 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

formidable fortresses, Colwyn and Pain's Castle, afforded
sufficient security. The coDquest of this parish br Ber-
nard de Newmarche, obtaioed over Cadwgan ab Ellistan
Glodrudd, broke a link of that chain which for centuries
connected the Severn and the Wye together, aod Trhich
conferred the appellation of Fferllys on the interjacent
country. Having passed through the family of De Braos,
by means of a matrimonial union with the grand-daughter
of the first Norman Lord of Brecknock and Bualit, it
reverted, through the liberality and a sense of justice
with which a prelate of the see of Hereford was even
in those days impressed, to Walter Fychan, son of the
original proprietor, Eineon Clyd, and remained in the
possession of his descendants till the year 1500, when
William Vaugban, Esq., of Maeslough, in this parish,
departed this life, leaving behind him two daughters, co-
heiresses, viz., Catherine and Sybil, to whom the fetber
bad devised eight messuages, eight gardens, or farms, one
grint mill, 300 acres of meadow land, 300 acres of pasture,
100 acres of wood, furze, heath, &c., in the several
parishes of Clasbury, Llowes, and Boughrood, in fee.
His eldest daughter, viz., Catherine, was married to Hugh
Whitney, Esq., of Whitney Court, who, for a certain
consideratioQ, alienated bis interest in Cl^bury. In the
year 1582 died Sybil, the second daughter, and wife of
Charles Lloyd, Esq. They left no male issue, but one
only daughter, who conveyed by marriage this property
to Humphrey Howarth, E^q., of Caebalui, in the parish
of Clyro, but originally of White House, in the parish of
Michaelchurcb, or of the parish of Clodock, in the county
of Brecknock, His son. Sir Humphrey Howarth, Bart.,
having greatly involved himself in embarassment, by
severe contests for the representation of this county in
Parliament, and by other expensive pursuits, was under
the necessity of mortgaging this extensive property to
Walter Wilkins, Esq., member of Parliament for this
county, by whom, in due time, the mortgage was fore-
closed, and the estate of Maeslough purchased. This

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 213

gentleman has erected, on or near the site of the old house
of the Vaughan family, a large mansion.

The parochial assessments collected in the Radnorshire
part, for the service of the year 1803, amounted to the
sum of £41 lis. 8^d.

Eccktiattical Account.

The church of Clasbuiy con^Bts of a nave, ctiancel, porch, and a square
tower containiog dx bells. The chancel contains sev^al handsome mouu*
ments commemoratJ.ve of the toyal and respectable family of Williams, of
Gwemyfed, and also of Deyereui, of Tregoed, wilh thdr several escutcheons.

On the north side of the church are four windows, each contaimne two
lights. The east window contiuns three hghts, divided by stone mmliona
Bupportjng cinijuefbil arches. The qi&ce above, under the point of the arch,
13 filled in a similar manner. It is dedicated to St. Peter. The church-yard
is veiy spacious, and, standing on the declivity of an eminence, commands a
beautiful and picturesque view of the river, and of the adjoining country.

This benefice is a vicaraee, remaining iu charge, and estimated in XiAer
Megis, at £10 per annum. Ihe great tithes of this parish were conferred by
B<anard de Newmarche, its conqueror, on the monks of Gloucester, as a
means of atoning for his military spoliations. These tithes still continue to
enrich the clergy of that cathedral church, and the patronage of this benefice
is vested in its bishop. Although there are two chapels in the Brecknockshire
division of this parish, viz., FeWdre and Pipton, mey have been sufiered t^
fall into decay and ruin, and the whole duty has been transferred to the
chmrch of Clasbury.

I/ist of Incumbents.

Jobn Willlani 17^0 Tbomas Stock, reineUted 1787

John WlUiumi, Junr. 1750 Charlei Boravare Penalf Lonther 1804

TbomaaOwen CharleB Bradley Warry 1821

Thomas Slock, A.M 1778

The first vicar of this parish, of whom any written account has been trans-
mitted was Alexander Griffith, of the fanuly of that name, resident at the
Gaer, in the parish of Llowes, in this hundred. He was educated at Hart
H^, in the University of Oxford, and lived in the troublesome time of
the Great Rebellion, On all occafions he manifested himself a strennous
supporter of the royal cause, and a firm adherent to the Church of England.
He wrote and published many treatises, as well on subjects of polemical
divinity, as on the jarring politics of the day, and was the author of the
"Hue and Cry" oner Vavasor Powell, the grand apostate and rapadous
sequestrator of the benefices of this county, and of Wales. ^lis publications,
particularly the latter, alarmed and annoyed the republicans and fanatics of
those innovating times, who, in order to dlcnce and ruin lum, invented the
grossest and most unfinunded calumnies, and cited him to appear before their
court of unjust inquisition, on a charge of drunkenness and lasciviousness.
From such a tribunal, in which the same persons were prosecutors, witnesses,
and judges, no innocence ever escaped. He was ^ected, and his benefice of
Clasbury sequestrated, in the year 1649.

Charitable Donations.
In the year 1605 Walt«r Meredith bequeathed by will certain houieg, of

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214 HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRB.

which the lent-chsive it £3 per annum, liv the pnrpoM of clothing lix old

persons of thia pari^ one year, and eight young persona the following year.

Mrs. Seagood devised the Bum of £4, bwng the yearly interest of the Bum
of ilOO in monq', TBBted by will in Lord Viscount He^ord, &r the nse
and benefit of the poor of this parish.

In the year 1612 Sir DaTid WiUiams, Bart., of Gwemyfed, devised the
annual sum of -£3 Ge. 5d., ariang from tithes, partly to purchase bt«ad for
the poor, and partly for the pteaching of an annual sermon in the church of
Glasoury, vested in the paiisliioners ^ Gendwr by wiU.

This parish, which, after it had iallen under the power
of the NormaD Lords of Brecknock and Buallt, reverted
at a subsequent period to Walter Fychan, son of Eineon
CJyd, Lord of Elfael, the original proprietor, remained
several centuries in the possession of his descendants.
Roger Vaughan, Esq., of Clyro, who served the office of
high sheriff for the county of Radnor in the year 1580,
when ship money was exacted by the Parliament, belonged
to this family; so likewise did the Vaughans, of Harpton,
in the parish of Radnor, and of Bugaildu, in this county,
and of Courtfield, in the parish of Goodrich, in the county
of Hereford, persons of affluence and respectability. The
family seat in this parish, called the Court of Clyro, was
anciently a venerable mansion, but is now converted into
a farm-house. The ancient embattled gateway and arch
which open the approach to the house still remain entire
on the north side.

Near to the village of Clyro, partly to the south-east
of the church, on a small eminence, containing about two
acres of land, are the remains of extensive buildings,
which appear to have once covered the whole area, and
were encompassed with a deep trench or moat. A sub-
terranean arched passage led from the centre of these
ruins towards the river Wye. The summit on which
these dilapidated remains of buildings appear, and which
commands a most beautiful and enchanting prospect of
the river, both towards the east and west, and of the
adjoining country, is now called the Castle Bank. It
admits of much doubt whether this was the real site of
Clyro Castle ; the ruins rather favour the supposition of a

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRB. 215

monaBtery, or of some religious house ; and this conjec-
ture is further corroborated by the vicinity of an exten-
sive and a valuable farm, called " Tir-y-inynach," i. e..
Monk-land, which is now let at nearly £600 per annum.
Most probably this estate, or farm, constituted Clyro
Grange, a part of the property with which the Abbey of
of Cwmhir, in this county, was endowed ; and these
ruins, if not the remains of a castle, formed the occasional
residence of the abbot, or cells for the habitation of monks,
subject to his visitation.

About a mile to the north-east of the village, and near
to a respectable looking old farm-house, erected about
three centuries ago, called Court Evan Gwynne, stands
a very large tumulus, or barrow, about 40 feet high, and
nearly 100 yards in circumference, and is surrounded
by a deep moat and high rampart. It originally con-
tained a quantity of building, and the foundations of
walls are still visible. To what use this fortification was
originally applied, whether for the purpose of repelling
the Roman or Norman invaders of this district, or both,
is a matter enveloped in obscurity. It overlooks the town
and castle of Hay, on the opposite side of the river, and
also commands a view of the Gaer encampment, in the
parish of Llanfihangel-ar-Arrwy, or Michaelchurch, in
this county, and also of the hills around Dorston and
Peterchurch, in the county of Hereford.

On the south side of the marsh, called Rhosgoch, so
named from its red appearance, ia an extensive farm,
called Llys-Ifor, or Ifor's palace. This habitation has
been in ancient times encompassed by a deep trench of
considerable depth, and by a high rampart, or vallum.
The voice of tradition assigns this property to have for-
merly belonged to an inferior chieftain, or regulus, of
the name of Ifor. Who could this second ranked prince
have been but Ifor, the father of Cynhyllyn, of whom
descended Ellistan Glodrudd, regulus of Moelynaidd and
Fferllys, or perhaps rather Ifor, the son of Idnerth,
and younger brother of Madoc, Lord of Moelynaidd and
Elfeel, who, by virtue of the law of gavelkind, inherited

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216 HISTORY OP HADHORSHISB.

a certain portion of this division of Radnorshire ? Id a
military point of view, the site of this ancient fortification
is in DO degree imposing, and seems better calculated for
the station of an ambush, which might surprize and
annoy an enemy occupied in the siege of Pain's Castle,
distant about two miles and a half towards the west, than
a defensive position to secure the country from incur-
sions. The name only implies that it was the court or
palace of Ifor, guarded in front by the marsh before-men-
tioned.

At Gwern-fythen House, in this parish, lived Sir William
Whitney, Bart., who inherited this estate, with many others
in the neighbourhood.eitherby marrying the Welsh heiress,
or derived it from his ancestor, Hugh Whitney, Esq.,
who married Catherine, daughter and heiress of William
Fychan, Esq., of Maeslough, as before related. Several
gentlemen of this family served the office of high sheriff
for the county of Radnor, as Sir Robert Whitney, Bart.,
in the year 1562 ; and Sir William Whitney, Bart., in
the years 1608 and 1616. The proprietor of Gwern-
fythen estate bad by Anne, his wife, ten sons, all of whom
attained the state of manhood, and to each of whom the
father left by will respectable freeholds, equally dividing,
according to the law of gavelkind, perhaps at the impulse
of his wife, from whom in all probability this property
descended, all his landed estates among them, — all of
which have long since passed into other bands.

A Roman road entering the chapelry of Bettws Clyro,
at Pen-yr-heol, intersects this parish, and by Tu-yn-yr-
heol, proceeds through it to the river Wye, and the town
of Hay.

This parish contains four townships, or hamlets, viz.,
Clyro, Bettws Clyro, and Bronydd, in which the parochial
assessments are paid collectively, and for the service of
the year 1803 amounted to the sum of £508 4s. 0^.,
raised at Is. in the pound. According to the return
published in the year 1801, the resident population of
this parish consisted of 602 individuals.

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HISTORY OF RADN0R8HIHE. 217

Eccletiattical Account.

Tbe churcli coofflste of a nave, chancd, tower, and a porch, and is dedicated
to St. Michael.

The benefice of CIjtto is a discharged vicarage, with the chapel of Bettwa
annexed. It is estimated in Liber &gis at £6 per annum. The tithea are
divided between the prebendaiy of Cljro, who is the impropriator, and the
Ticar. Hie clear annual income of the latter, some years since, was £40.
The total amount at present exceeds £169 per amiuni. The yearly tenths

The prebend of Clyro, in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock, ia valued in
Uher Regis at £^ 6e. 8d. per annum, and is in the patronage of the Bishop
of St. David's. No church register existed prior to Uie year 1 700.

List of Incumbenti.

William Jones 1796 Edward Edwards, A.M 1764

William Stephana, L.B 1749 Richard Drake Venabtes, D.D. . . 1800

Charitable Donations.

In the year 1773 Mrs. Gwynne devised by will the sum of £600, and

directed it to be laid out in the purchase of land, and vested it in Mr. James

Price, her executor, the yearly rent of which to be paid to a schoolmaster,

&r teaching, clothing, and apprenticing poor children of this pariah.

BEVNOWIN.

The cwmwd to which it anciently appertained was de-
nomiDated Castell-Maen, i. e., Huntington Castle-manor,
in the county of Hereford. It contains about 3000 acres
of inclosed and cultivated land, and 2000 acres of hills
uuinclosed and uncultivated. By the return published
in the year 1801, the resident population of this pariah
then consisted of 277 individuals. The parochial assess-
ments for 1803 amounted to the sum of £221 18s. 8d.,
raised at 83. 4d. in the pound.

A Mr. Griffith is at this time in actual possession of an
estate, and resides in the farm-house, called the Partway,
which his ancestors have enjoyed, in a direct line, for the
last four centuries. This, however, is not the only cir-
cumstance which renders this estate an object interesting
to the local historian. A superior claim to notice arises
from having a Roman road running through it, as its
name indicates, and assimilates it to others of a like
appellation in many counties of England, particularly
Herefordshire. The commencement of this road, in the
county of Radnor, may be traced in the vicinity of the
Roman camp called Goer, in the parish of Llanfihangel-
2f

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218 HISTORY OF RADHORSHIBE.

ar-Arrwy, or Michaelchurch on the Arrow, whence it
BoudB along the level summit of Brilley mountain, com-
manding a most extensive and picturesque view of the
country on both sides, and also of the course of the
Arrow, when at the western extremity of the mountain it
descends the brow with a gentle sweep to a place called
Bwlch-ar-heol, i. e., "the defile, or pass on the Roman
road," where it divides into two branches, the one of
which proceeds to the parish of Clascwm-Llansantfraid,
and, finally, to the river leithon, in the parish of Llan-
fihangel Helygen; the other advances in a straight line
to Pen-yr-hem, and Tn-yn-yr-heol, in the parishes of
Bettws Clyro and Clyro, and joins the Roman road
leading from the town of Hay.

On the south-eastern side of this parish, in the bottom
of a valley, is a large morass, called Rhos-goch, t. e,^
" the red morass," extending in length one mile and a
quarter, and about half a mile in breadth ; producing
a most excellent kind of peat, nearly equal in heat and
durability to coal, and exceeding it in innammability.
Eccle»Uxttu;al Account.

This church oonaiatg of a nare, chancel, a low towv «ODtaiiuiig tiro mutll
bells, and a pca%h. The east window contdsU of three lights, dirtded bj
Btone mullions supporting trefoil arches. The space abore, under the p<nat«d
arch of the window, is filled up in the same manner. In the south-east angle
of the eitaiior wall of the chancel is fixed a long atoae, on the east side of
which ia sculptured a female figure, and on the south ode a male, without
any inscription. The church b aedicat«i to St. Michael

In the church-yard, which commands an extenmve proapeot, is a stone of
oondderable length, a!nd about one foot in breadth, difierent in quality from
the stones in tlus vicinity, originaUy placed erect, but now bv the violence of
time and weather inclinmg much towards the west, on which are sculptured
several crosses and figures.

The benefice ofBryngwinisarectoi7,e8tJmated in Zt&GT-Arats at £11 6s. Sd.
per annum j but the tot&l emolument of the rector's annual income exceeds
at present £200. The yearly tenths are XI as. Sd. The parish re^ater ooib<
meaoes about the ;fear 1600.

Zitt of InettmbmUa.

Humphny price 1640 WUIlam Powril 17S0

James Powell 1668 Samusl Powell 1796

Onslow Barrfltt 1796 Samuel DaTJea

Bowland Bogeia ...>, 174fi

Charitable Danatiom,
In t^ year 1706 Richard J<Hies, Esq., derised by will a rant-eharge ot

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HIBTORT OF RADNORSHIRE. 219

£3 i(h. per annmn, secured on land, and now Tested in Mr. William Gore,
for die use of the poor of this parish.

The Bum of £2 per annuni nas aleo devised by will, bearing no date, b; &
person unknown, for the benefit of the poor of this parish.

LLANBBDB, FjUh's CASTLE.

Pain's Castle 19 a township of itself, and is united in
all respects, civil and ecclesiastical, with Llanbedr, thereby
forming one pan'sh, and including in one return the
□umber of its population, and the amount of its parochial
assessments. According to the return publishai in the
year 1801, the resident population consisted of 78 in-
dividuals. The money raised for the service of the year
1803 amounted to the sum of £350 lOs. 8d., assessed at
13s. 8d, in the pound. The town consists of four streets,
or roads, intersecting each other at right angles, subten-
ding the four cardinal points, and containing several old
and respectable farm-houses, viz., the Castle, belonging
to Walter Wilkins, Esq., M.P. ; the Upper House, the
property of J. C. Severn, Esq. ; and Pen-y-dre, the resi-
dence of Mr. Prosser — which two latter houses are of very
antique appearance ; and the New House, belonging to
the son of the James Williams, Esq., of the town of Hay.

The situation of the castle seems judiciously selected
for the purpose of commanding and controlling the
vicinity. It was a fortress of considerable strength and im-
portance, having a very lofty keep, or citadel, surrounded
by a moat twenty feet deep, and encompassing an area of
an acre and a half, intrenched in the same manner, and
communicating with the former. It was also secured by
an exterior intreochment of considerable depth and extent,
part of which, viz., that towards the east, has been de-
faced, and is now covered with buildings, inclosing about
twelve acres of land. It wanted, however, one appendage
of ancient fortification, viz., water, of which there appears
at present no source of supply sufficient to fill the
trenches.

This formidable fortress was begun by Paganus da
Quercis, (a. d. 1130,) who accompanied the Conqueror
into England, and completed by bis son, Thomas de

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220 HIBTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

Paganus. His daughter and sole heir conveyed it by
marriage, together with other immense possessions in the
counties of Monmouth and Glamorgan, to William de
Braos, Lord of Gower, Brecknock and Buallt, and of
Bramber, in the county of Sussex — a baron of great
power, wealth, and influence. It was frequently taken
and retaken in the Welsh wars, particularly by Prince
Rhys; and besieged by Gwenwynyn, Lord of Powis, who
sustained a total discom6ture. These repeated attacks,
and the subsequent spoliations of the country people, have
reduced this once frowning and terrific stronghold to the
mean and despicable appearance which it now exhibits;
nothing more remaiaing of it at present than a few loose
fragments of its external walls.

The mountain between Pain's Castle and Glasbury,
over which the turnpike road leading from the former to
the latter passes, is called the Beacons. It remains un-
inclosed, and extends about five miles from east to west.
It has several points which command extensive views,
which might have served as beacons, and used to convey
intelligence to the castle, and to other fortresses in the
neighbourhood. No sort of intrenchments, however, nor
tumuli, or artificial mounds for observation, have been
discovered upon it.

Ecclesiastical Account.

The cimrch conmsts of a nave, ch&ncel, pordi, and a low brner containing
three bells.

This benefice is a. pcrpctnsl curacy, not in charge, nuder the prebend of
Bougbrood, stated in Liber Regis to be of the clear yearly Talue of £8 ; but
its present emoluments amount to £50.

LLAKDDBWI-FAOH.

This small parish extends along the banks of the river
Bach-Howey. According to the return published in the
year 1801, its resident population consisted of 116 indi-
viduals. Its parochial assessments collected for the service
of the year 1803 amounted to £58 Is. 6^d., raised at
Is. 6d. in the pound. No vestiges of antiquity havebeea
discovered in this parish.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 221

Ecdeaiatticai Accouat.
The chnrdi ctmasts of a naTC oulj, and baa a smaU turret containing one
little beli This benefice ia a chapel only, annexed to the vicarage of L&wes,
Ktated to be of the yearly value of £2i.

LLANDEILO GRABAM, altOI

Nearly two miles from Craig- pwll-du, and on the
north side of the Bach-Howey, a river which at the place
of its disemboguement separates the parishes of Llandeilo
Graban and Llan-y-styffan, is a rising and almost circular
eminence called Twyn y Garth. Upon the summit of
this hill is a small camp, nearly circular, containing only
one ditch, but in a high state of preservation. The only
entrance is on the east side; and about eighty yards
distant from it, only inclining to the north-east, are two
cameddau. The ascent to the camp is very steep upon
all sides, and three or four thousand men might defend
it against an army. On the south side of the camp is a
piece of land, nearly square, inclosed by a slight ditch,
and seemingly coeval with the intrencbment. One side
of it is protected by the rampart of the camp.

On viewing this camp in connection with one of the
rocks of Craig-pwU-du, a celebrated cataract on the river
Bach-Howey, a variety of interesting reflections is sug-
gested to the mind of the antiquary. It is handed down
by tradition, and even gravely asserted by Welsh chro-
niclers, that the traitor and usurper Gwrtherio Gwrthenau
after his deposition retreated into the wilds of Radnor-
shire, denominated Elfael, and there for some time eluded
the vengeance of his countrymen. Now, it may con-
fidently be asked, in what place in Elfael could a more
gloomy spot for a castle be selected than Craig-pwll-du,
which bears to this day the appellation of Domini Castra,
or the " Lord's Caatfe," especially when we recollect that
this dingle was at that time with lofty and majestic oaks
impervious to the view ? Or what camp in all this dis-
trict is equally calculated to give confidence and security
as that above described 7

The population of this parish has remained nearly sta-
tionary for this century past. According to the return

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333 HIBtORr OF RADNORStllltfi.

published in tbe year 1801 the number of its resident
JQfaabitaDts was 372. The parochial assessments raised
for the service of the year 1803 amounted to the sum
of £118.

EceUna»tical Account.
The pariBh church consists of a nave, a cliancel, a square tower of stone

containing three bdir — ■* "■ ''^ ' '-■' " '*■" "*■ '

hj a timber frame, o.

CI Church of Brecknock. It has been augmented \>j two lots of Queen
e's bounty, vii., i200 in the yew- lYlS, and £200 in 177a This money
was laid out in the purchase of land in the year 1 TS5. ^e total emoluments
of this benefice amount at present to the yearly sam of £69.

The prebend of Llandeilo Graban, in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock,
was selied in the year 1 649 by the parliamentary sequestrators, and perverted
from its original destination to thor fanatic purposes. It is estimated in Liber
Regit to be of the clear yearly ralue of £0 13s. 4d. The yeaity tentlu an
10s. 4d.

List of Incumbent*.
736... 1717 ThomasWU
1722

Charitable Donatiow.

In 1726 Mr. Datid Beddoes bequeathed by Kill the prininpal smn of XlOO,
which has been laid out in the purchase of land, and £5 per annum, and has
direct«d it to be distributed among the poor inhabitants of this parish. So
trustees appointed.

In 1686 Thomas George bequeathed by will, for the benefit of the poor of
this parish, the sum of £10, secured on uind. No trustees appointed. Ufa
ftirther information can be giyen.

In 1686 William G«orge bequeathed by will the nun of j£40, the annual
interest of which he directed to be distributed among the poor inhabitants of
this parish. Ko trustees. No further information can be given.

An unknown person left, supposed by will, date unknown, a rent-char^ge
npoD land of tbe value of 10s. per Hnnum , and directed to be distributed
among the poor inhabitants of this parish.

LIANSTBPBAIT.

The author has not succeeded in discovering any vestiges
of remote antiquity, either dniidical or military. It cer-
tainly must have possessed some of the latter description,
as there is a respectable farm-house, called Tu-yn-yr-
heol, i. €., " the house on the Roman road," which pene-
trated into this parish from Bettws Clyro, There also
stands, upon a lofty eminence of steep ascent, another
respectable farm-house, called Ciliau, i. e., " Retreats,"

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aiSTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 323

" denoting it to have been a scene of military
retreat in some distant and unknown age — perhaps at
the lime when Bernard de Newmarche and his Norman
followers crossed the Wye, and attacked this district ; or
its original name may have been Guiliau, i. e., " Vigila-
tories," a designation which the site is well calculated to
answer, for it commands a prospect as wide and extensive
as it is fine and picturesque.

According to the return of the population of this parish
in 1801, the number of resident inhabitants was 246.
The parochial assessments raised for the service of the
year 1803 amounted to the sum of £196 lis. 6d,, at
Is. in the pound.

The lord of the manor of Llanstephan is Francis
Fowke, Esq., proprietor of Boughrood Castle.
Eccletiiutical Account.

The church conriata of a nave, a chancel, a low tower containing (bur bdlir,
and & porch. The communion table is a. atone slab. The chancel, which
contains the lavacrum, and aepulchral tablets conuueiDorating a family of the
name of James, of Tu-ya-jr-heol, is separated ftom the naye by a timber
frame, under a pointed arch of stone, and a roodloft of fine oak, very elegantly
carved, with rosettes and vine leaves intertwined, supported by oak pillar*
handscnnely pilastered.

Thia benefice is a perpetual curacy, not in charge, esUmated in Liber Regit
at the clear yearly value of £9. The Archdeacon of Brecknock ii the patron.
All the tithes are aUenated from the church, and possessed by lay impropriatore.
The curacy has been augmented by two lots of Queen Anne's bounty, vis.,
£200 in August, 1T47, and £200 in September, 17A4. lu total emolumenta
amount at present to the annual sum ot iCSO.

Lift of IticumbenU,

TbomasJamM 1730 John Edwards 179?

Jenkln Jeoklns 1749 Thomas Williaui 1799

CkaritahU Donation.
In the year 1681 ISx. Thomas Havard bequeathed the annual interest of
the principal sum ^£60, viz., £S, now vested in the minister and churchwardeoa,
and directed it to be distributed among tlie poor inhabitants of this parish.

The parish of Llowes contains some ancient vestiges
of the military kind. Besides numerous encampments of
the ancient inhabitants of this district, there is a respee*
table farm-house called " Gaer," erected on the area of a
RoOiau camp of considerable magnitude, and contiguous

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224 HISTORY OF BADNORSBIBE.

to the Roman road which proceeds from "Gaer," in the
parish of Michaelchurch, and passes by " Pen-yr-heol,"
and through this parish to Tu-yn-yr-heol, and so on to
the Wye. It is said that the Danes entered Hereford-
shire, and penetrated along the line of the Wye as far as
Buallt. It is reasonable to suppose that, in the course
of that surprizing march, some of these encampments
were occupied by that fierce and warlike people.

According to the return of its resident population,
published in the year 1801, the number of its inhabitants
was 363. The parochial assessments raised for the service
of the year 1803 amounted to the sum of £202 58. IJd.,
at 7s. 6d. in the pound.

The greater part of this parish was once the property
of Sir Humphrey Howarth, Bart., who represented this
county in Parliament. His ancestor married the daughter
and heiress of William Vaughan, Esq., of Maeslough, a
descendant of Walter Fychan, son of Eineon Clyd, liie
ancient regulus of Elfael. Sir Humphrey's seat and park
were in this parish. The name of Howarth, it is said,
was originally Havard. The family resided, according
to the report of some, at White House, in the parish of
Michaelchurch, in this county, and of others, at Caebalfa.
Both these traditions may be true at different periods.
Sir Humphrey Howarth, Bart., proprietor of Maeslough,
had an only daughter, who was married to the Rev.
Mr. Davies. This marriage produced an only son, viz.,
Manwaring Probert Howarth, who died in the Fleet
Prison, leaving a son who is lately arrived from the East
Indies. Sir Humphrey had a brother, whose eon Henry
was rector of Gladestry. He left behind him several
children: 1. Henry, the barrister, who was drowned in
the river Thames, when his talents were at the point of
attaining the height of his profession ; 2. Humphrey,
late member of Parliament for the borough of Evesham ;
3. Edward, now Sir Edward, general of artillery ; 4.

Mrs. Allen, wife of Allen, Esq., of the Lodge, in

the county of Brecknock. Henry, rector of Gladestry,
in this county, had a brother to whom were bom two

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HISTORY OF RADROBSBtRE. 225

Bons, both of whom were promoted to high rank in their
respective professions, one having been a general, and the
other an admiral. Both departed this life in the town of
Hay, Brecltnockshire, ahout twenty years since. The
late Sir Humphrey Howarth, Bart., the last proprietor of
Maeslough of the name, married the relict of Sir David
Henry Williams, Bart., of Gwernyfed, in the parish of
Clasbury, in the county of Brecknock, and in her right
enjoyed for life the estates of Gwernyfed, Lodge, &c.

EccUtituHcal Account.

He church connsts of a nxve, a chancd^ separated from the nave by a
limber ruling, a low gquare tow«r contammg two bells, and having three
rangea of lights on each side, and crowned witb a weather-cock, and a porch.
In the chancel, on the soutli wall, are saspended the armorial hearings of the
ancient and respectable house of UonartL The fbnily vault Uea beneath.

A tombstone in this chtirch-yard cont^na the only Webh inscription that
is recorded in this county, whii^ is as follows; —

'ilUam Bevan, o FedwUwyd, dan j

- - '"'yma]Tigorphw8&: '^" —
ij^yddau, ac yma d

garreg s;fdd vma}^ gorphws&: Oedrtui
oedd 84 mfynj " " ' '

In the chorch-yaid is a Angular monument of remote antiquitjr. This
condsts of a Btoae of immense wdght and dimension, placed erect, and
meaniiiiie in height about seven yards from the surface of the ground,
and in breadth about two yards, and nearly rax feet in thickness, and
carved or sculptured into the similitude of a human body. On its breast is
delineated a laxge circle, divided into four semilunar compartments, separated
by rich sculpture. In the centre of the circle is a lozenge. The lower part
of the body is decorated with lozengea and triangles. Its arms have been
broken off by accident, or by violence, or by the corroding hand of tima
This amputation affords just matter for regtet ; as, if these parts had remuned
unmntilated and entire, they might have given a clue to discover the hidden
meaning of this astonishing piece of emblematical BCulpture. The conse-
quence of this loss is the indulgence of conjectures. Some, among whom was
tne lale Theophilus Jones, Esq., suppose that tbis formidable figure represents
Malaen, the British Minerva, the goddess of war. A Christian cemetery must
be deemed an extraordinary situation for the erection of the image of a pagan
deity. The traditional report respecting the origin of this monumental stone ia
replete with absurdity, extravagance, and ridiculousness, and outrages every
degree of probability. For it asserts that a certain female, of gigantic
strength, called Moll Walbec, threw tlus immense stone out of her shoe
across the river Wye &om Clifford Castle, which she had constructed, distant
about three miles. The British and original appellation of Moll Walbec was
Malaen-y-Walfa, i. e., " the iiiry of the inclosnre."

This benefice is a discharged vicarage, estimated in later Regia at tlie
clear yearly value of £28. The yearly tenths are 17s. The Archdeacon <j
Biecknock ia the proprietor of the titMs, and patrmi of tlie ben«fic«.

2o

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326 BISTORT OF BADNORSBIRE.

Lot of IiKtmbmU.

WmUm StoptMoa, L.B 1735 John Jonei 1704

ThB toU] emolnmaDti m&; amount at prcMat to the uiaaal Him of £70.

Charitable Donation.
In tlie ytar 17M, Mrs. Suaannah Howsrtli devised a rent-char^ of lOa.,
now Tested in Thomas Griffith, by vill, for the purpoBe of purchasmg bread
fi>r tlte poor of dus paiuL

HICHAELCHITBCH.

The Welsh appellation of Mtchaelchurch is Llanfihan-
gel-ar-Arrwy, that is, the church or parish of St. Michael
on the river Arrow, it being situated along the banks of
that river. From the return of its resident population,
published in the year 1801, it appears that the number of
Its inhabitants then consisted of 172 individuals. The
parochial assessments amounted to £97 17s. 0^. for the
year 1803, at 6s. in the pound.

There are in this parisn the vestiges of an ancient en-
campment of very large extent ; the area contains several
acres of land. It commences in an arable field, on the
right hand of the road leading from Kington to Hay,
almost opposite to a farm-house called Postles, and reaches
in a nortnem direction to the river Arrow. Its immediate
vicinity abounds in tumuli, or barrows, and in redoubts
composed of earth and stones, and commanding the fords
and watering-places of that river. It is designated by
the military name Gaer, and consists of two divisions, the
Upper and Lower Gaer, as they are at present denominated.
Its ramparts in several places have been levelled by the
plough.

Eccletiattical Account.
Th6 church is a smaU cbap^ erected od the bank of the river Arrow, and
annexed to the vicarage of Kington, in the cotmtj of Hereford.

NEWCHDRCH.

According to the return of its resident population,
published in the year I80I, the number of its inhabitants
then consisted of 115 individuals. The parochial assess-
ments for the service of the year 1803, at 7s. in the pound,
amounted to the sum~ of £83 3s.

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HISTORY OP RADlfORSHIRE. 237

A branch of the great Roman road connecting the two
British divisions of Cymro, viz., Ordovicia and Siluria,
commeDces at Mortimer's Cross, in the county of Hereford,
and proceeding through the parish of Lyonshall, to Gaer,
in Michaelchurch parish, pursues its course along the
summit of Brilley Mountain, and takes a gentle sweep
down its western-side, till it arrives at a place where stands
a house called Gwylfa-ar-heol, " the sentinel's station or
watch-tower," on the Roman road. This site is most judi-
ciously chosen, and admirably adapted for this purpose.
For here three roads meet, viz., tJiat which leads from
Gaer above-mentioned ; the other diverges towards the
parish of Clascwm, towards the north ; and the third ad-
vances in a straight line to Pen-yr-heol, in the parish of
Bettws Clyro, in a direction towards the west ; of all and
of every one of which this station at Gwylfa commands
a complete and distinct view ; so that a body of men ad-
vancing in either of these directions must have been im-
mediately discovered.

Contiguous almost to Owylfa-ar-heol stands a farm-
house called at jiresent Redborough. The proximity of
a name so completely English to a Welsh name that has
existed since the time of the Roman invasion naturally
excited some astonishment and doubt. The result of a
long attempt to solve this phenomenon amounts to this :
Redborougn seems to be a corruption of the Welsh word
Arhyd-y-bro, i. c, " along the bank of the river," the
adjoining lands'answering to that description..

The river Arrow in this parish receives an accession of
water from a small rivulet that issues from the morass of
Rhosgoch, in the parish of Bryngwin, and runs in a
-north-easterly direction. The dingle through which it
meanders is called Cwm-gwillo. About half a mile from
the source of this rivulet is a conspicuous tumulus, or
barrow, ascending to the height of thirty feet from the
suHace of the surrounding ground, and situated on an
estate called Tal-beddwyn, or Twlch-beddwyn. It stands
on an eminence, and has been encompassed by a deep
trench or foss, which is now almost obliterated by the

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228 BISTORT OF BADMOBSHIRB.

plough. Its summit and sides are planted \ritli firs and
other forest trees, which produce an ornamental effect. It
is distant from Pain's Castle about three miles, of which
it commands a full and distinct view. This tumulus was
probably intended to command and secure the vale of
Cwm-gwillo, and perhaps to convey intelligence to the
garrison of Pain's Castle. The estate on which it stands
IS the property of the Rev. Samuel Beavan, of Tu-yn-y-
cwm, in tnispariah, but nowofthecity of Hereford, rector
of Newchurch.

On the summit of the little Mountain, at the eastern
extremity of the parish, is an ancient encampment of an
oblong foTm, or rather elliptical figure.

EecletiattKal Acctmnt.
The church conrasts of a naTe, a chancel, separated from, the nave by

timb^ frame, a low tower containing three bells, and a porch. A timber

iW benedce ia a dischai^ed rectory, eedmated in LSier Jiegii at ££ 6b. 8d^
but the total emduments of the rector amount at present to the annual sum
cf £112 8b., including an estate pm^hased by Qnea Anne's bonoty, and
called Cae-tiig^ The church is dedicated to St Mary.

HUNDRED OP BBATADER.

This modem division of the county of Radnor takes
its name from its' principal town, Rhayader, and con-
stitutes the largest and most important portion of that
extensive territory which in ancient times was designated
by the appellation of Cantref Moelynaidd, once the re-
sidence and property of the British reguli of this district,
afterwards the acquisition and inheritance of the powerful
barons of Wigmore and Marche, and lastly the royal
patrimony and estate of the Kings of England. It is
al90 the only modern division of the county which has
preserved and transmitted the ancient name by which this
territory was distinguished ; for Rhaiadrgwy hundred is
described as being olim Cantref Moelynaidd, as if it were
more peculiarly included within it. It now forms the
greater part of what is at present called the upper division
of the county of Radnor, comprehending one borough
and market town, one independent lordship, or hamlet.

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HISTORY OF SADNORBHIRB. 229

and six parishes, viz.. Abbey Cwmhir, Cwmdauddwr,
Iian6hangel-&ch, or Helygen, Llanhir, Nantmfel, Rhaia-
drgwy, and St. Harmon, and is situated within the
cwmwd of Glyn leitbon, and the mesne manor of Rbiw ar
AlU. It is separated from the several hundreds of
Knighton, Cefn-y-llys, and Colwyn, by the river leitbon ;
and on the west it is bounded by the rivers Wye and
Elan, which separate it from Brecknockshire ; on the
north by the parishes of Llangurig and Llanidloes, in the
county of Montgomery,

This hundred constituted a portion of that extensive
territory which, reaching from the river Wye to the
Severn, once belonged to ancient regitli of this district,
the Lords of Moelynaidd and Fferllys. The most eminent
and illustrious of these was Ellistan Glodrudd, who, by
virtue of his marriage with the grand -daughter and
heiress of Tewdwr Trefor, became Earl of Fferleia, or
Hereford, and possessed all the lands lying between tlie
two before-mentioned rivers, and also Upper and Lower
Gwent, in Monmouthshire. He was the first of all the
native princes that established and confirmed his royal
descent and 'pedigree from the ancient sovereigns of
Britain. He was unfortunately slain at Cefn, or Mynydd
Du-goU, in the county of Montgomery, where his barrow,
or tumulus, remains to this day visible, in attempting to
quell an insurrection, which event obviously suggests the
following remark, viz., the wonderful coincidence between
the death of the last regulus of this extensive territory,
the greater and more important part of which quickly
after fell under the dominion of the Saxons and Normans-
successively, and that of the last prince who swayed the
sceptre of North Wales, immediately succeeded by the
total annexation of his country to England ; the one
losing his hfe by the rebellion, and the other by the
treachery, of their respective subjects. After the death of
Ellistan, this hundred descended to his son Cadwgan, and
from him to Ifor, Idnerth, Madoc, Cadwallon, the founder
of Abbey Cwmhir, Maelgon, &c., successively. From
this family it devolved upon the sons of Rhys ah Grruffudd,

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230 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Prince of South Wales, who erected the castle oF Rhaia-
di^wy, and endowed his abbey of Strata Florida with
certain parcels of lands situated in the upper part of this
hundred, and now denominated the Grainge of Cwm-
dauddwr. When the Princes of Wales became no longer
able to protect their dominions from the never-ceasing
encroachments of the rapacious Normans, and when the
fate of war, and the direful effects of intestine broils, had
extinguished the family of the reguli of this district, this
hundred, together with the great and paramount lordship
in which it is included, and whose name it still retains,
became subject to the Earls of Marche and ^igmore, and
at the accession of the heir and representative of that
warlike and powerful house to the throne of England it
merged in the crown, the King of Great Britain being
the lord of the manor of Moelynaidd ; so that this county,
from the remotest era to the present period, has always
remained a royal patrimony, and the tenure of its manor
is the most honourable, being free soccage.

HOKACBLOO, OR ABBBT CWHBIR.

This name signifies " the abbey situated in the long
dingle." It is itself a hamlet included in the parish of
Uanbister, and comprises two of the four townships of
that parish, viz., Golon and Cefn-pawl, yet is totally in-
dependent of that parish, both in its civil and ecclesiastical
jurisdiction, assessing its own rates, supporting its own
poor, and maintaining its own minister. It appears
therefore in all respects entitled to be considered as an
independent and a distinct parish. The money raised by
the parochial rates in the year 1803, in these two town-
ships, was £185 18s. 6d., at 3s. 6d. in the pound on the
rack rental; the resident population of them, according
to the return made in the year 1801, was 400. They
contain about 2500 acres, one half of which is under
cultivation ; and unite on the north-east with the parish of
St. Harmon ; with Llanano on the north ; with NantmSl
on the south ; and with Llanddewi-ystrad-Ennau on the
south-east. These townships are diversified with hills and

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 231

valleys, and abound in woods and fertile inclosures in a
more copious proportion than most of the adjoining dis-
tricts ; thus clearly evincing the superior industry and im-
proving culture of the monks, whose numerous groves of
majestic oaks formed the grand and beautiful characteristic
of their domains, while the gloomy recesses of a winding
and watered valley inspired devotion. The dingle or vale
of Cwmhtr exactly corresponds with this description ; for
it is a delightful and fertile bottom, watered by the river
Clywedoc, and is environed by an amphitheatre of hills
of stupendous grandeur, clothed with wood.

South-west of the river Clywedoc stood the mill of the
monastery ; and contiguous to this appear the ruins of
ancient dwellings. On the banks of the river are also
vestiges of walls in several parts, together with a barrow,
or tumulus, in the environs. ITie whole monastic esta-
blishment has evidently been defended by a strong mound,
or intrenchment, crossing the valley abruptly at equal
distances above and below, extending through the village,
and inclosing a space of about ten acres, which perhaps
comprized the ancient and usual privilege of sanctuary.
On the summit of a stupendous hill on the north-east side
of the abbey is a large excavation, out of which has been
extracted the stone used in the construction of the old
monastery. This has been called Fowler's Cave, and
anciently formed a part of an extensive park, which
tradition reports to have been seven miles in circumference,
and stocked with upwards of 200 deer. One of the old
gates and fragments of pales, together with the site of two
deer-houses, remain still visible.

The authenticated history of this district may he traced
to so early a period as the reign of Henry II., King of
England, and his contemporary, Rhys, Prince of Soufli
Wales, and cousin-germao of Cadwallon, the founder of
Abbey Cwmhir. Hence it may justly be inferred that
the lordship of Golon, with tbe dependent manors of
Cwmhir and Dolelfeu, were tbe most extensive manorial
properties in the county of Radnor, including in its wide
circuit the township of Cefn-pawl, part of the parishes

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233 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

of Llanbadarn-fynydd, Llanbtster, LlaDddewi-ystrad-
Ennau, Llanano, Naotm^l, and St. Harmon. In a certain
part within this territory was contained the ancient manor
of Gwrthrynion, whither the base Vortigern is supposed
to have retired ; and the whole of it once formed the pro-
perty of the monks of Ahbey Cwmhir. At the dissolution
of the abbij, in 1546, these domains were conferred by
King Henry VHI. on Walter Henley, Esq., in the county
of Monmouth, and John Williams, alias Lord Cromwell,
of Thame, in Oxfordshire, one of the Lords President of
the Court of the Marches. Before the conclusion of the
sixteenth century they came, either by marriage or by
purchase, into the possession of an ancient and a respect-
able family of the name of Fowler, in the county of
Sta£ford. Members of this family have served the office
of high sheriff" for the county several times, and repre-
sented it in Parliament many sessions. In the year 1600
Sir Richard Fowler, Bart., of Abbey Cwmhir was high
sheriff". The same gentlemen was appointed to the same
office in the year 1616. His son, Sir Richard Fowler,
Bart., of Impton, in 1626. The same gentleman, of
Abbey Cwmhir, was appointed to the same office in the
year 1655. John Fowler, Esq., of Bronydre, in 1690.
Sir Hans Fowler, Bart., of Abbey Cwmhir, served in the
year 1765 the office of high sheriff for this county. In
the year 1714 the representation of this county in Par-
liament was severely contested by Sir Richard Fowler,
Bart., and Thomas Harley, Esq. Notwithstanding the
latter gentleman had represented the county ever since
the year 1698, and was backed by court interest, and had
presented to the house a petition against the return, yet
Sir Richard Fowler obtained a lai^e majority of voices,
and continued the sitting member. In the year 1722 a
severe contest for the honour of representing this county
was carried oil between Sir Richard Fowler, Bart., and
Sir Humphrey Howarth, Knt. A petition was presented
to the house, and the latter gentleman declared duly
elected. About the year 1760 one moiety of this great
«8tate, including the manor of Oolon, was alienated from

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRB. 233

the family of Fowler, and sold to Charles Gore, Esq.,
and afterwards purchased by the late John Price, Esq.,
banker, of Penybont, in this county. This gentleman
had an only daughter and heiress, who by marriage con-
veyed this property to John Cheesement Severn, Esq.
On the death of Sir Hans Fowler, Bart., who departed
this life March 1st, 1771, leaving no male issue, theother
moiety of this estate devolved on Thomas Hodges Fowler,
Esq., descended from the female line. This gentleman
also died without issue. This estate, therefore, by virtue
of intermarriages, has recently become the property of the
present Lord Hastings, Earl of Huntington.

One mile from the abbey stands Tu-faenor, or Manor
House, a venerable mansion of the lordship, and where
the court-leets are holden. This house is supposed to
have been erected in the reign of James I., but recently
repaired and modernized by J. C. Severn, Esq.

In the township of Cefn-pawl was a remarkably large
fish-pond, which supplied the monks of Abbey Cwmhir
with fish ; it is now in a ruinous condition ; and not far
distant is a Roman causeway in a narrow defile, called
Bwlch-y-samau. This causeway is part of the Roman
road leading from Caer-fagu, a Roman station in the
parish of Llanfihangel Helygen, Radnor, to Caersws, in
the parish of Llandinam, Montgomery; thus opening a
communication between the Silures and the Ordovices.
Near it is a hill named Gam, the summit of which is
crowned with a British earn.

Eccleaiaatieal Account.
The cbapel of Abb^ Cwmhir is utoated on a bank of the river Clywedoc,
■bout UO paces to the north irom the site where the Tcnerahle old m

of Cwmhir once stood. It wu erected in thejear 1680, or, as Mma uy, b
the third year of the reign of Qaeen Anne, at the expense of Sir William
Fowler, B^t, on a picturesque spot, where tradition reports the monks had a
fish-pond, and endowed by that gentleman with a small charge imposed on
each of his tenants within the two townships before-mentioned. It is dedi-
cated, as the monastery was, to St. Mary, and conaiats of one aisle.

This benefice is a. perpetual curacy, or cbapelry, estimated in I.iher Reffia to
be of the certified valoe of £i 10s. per annum, being the aggregate amount
of the rat« assessed upon the tenants. Having been augmented by several lots
of Queen Anne's bounty, its total emoluments e^iceed at present the yearly sum
ofj£50. Neitber the iDoumbeDt of the chapel, nor evm the vicar of LUnbister,
2h

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S34 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

are entiUed to any portioii of the tithes of this hiunlet, all of which, haTing
been originaDf annexed to the monasteiy, are now impropriatei, and belong to
the pnjaietot of Abbc^ Cwmhk, who is dso patron of the chapeL

List of IncumbenU.

JcMhum Thomat 1736 John Dsili 177S

UeweljnDaTli 17H>

CWMDAUDDWB (lLAKBANTPRAID).

This is the most western parish, not only in the hundred
of Rhayader, but also in the county of Radnor, and de-
rives its name fr<)m being situated between the two rivers
Wye and Elan. It is bounded on the north by the parish
of Llangurig and the county of Montgomery ; on the
east by the river Wye ; on the south by the nver Elan ;
and on the west by that river and the brook Clarwen.
It consists of two townships, viz., the Grainge and the
Parish. It is also designated by two other divisions, viz.,
Dyffryn-Wy and Dyffryn-Elan ; that is, the vale of the
Wye, and the vale of the Elan. The Grainge includes
that portion of the parish with which Rhys, Prince of
South Wales, endowed his newly founded Abbey of Strata
Florida, in the county of Cardigan, and constitutes a
royal manor, holden of the crown of England by Robert
Peele, Elsq., of Cwmelan, in this parish, at the gross
rent of £6.

The principal landed proprietors of this parish are
Robert Peele, Esq., of Cwmelan, Thomas Lewis Lloyd,
Esq., of Nant-gwyllt, Hugh Powel Evans, Esq., of No-
yadd, Thomas Prickard, Esq., of Dderw, David Oliver,

Esq., of Rydoldog, Davis, Esq., of Gwardolau, &c.

The Cwmelan estates were purchased of the late Thomas
Johnes, Esq., some years ago, by Thomas Grove, Esq., a
gentleman of the county of Somerset, amounting to
10,000 acres of land, called the Grainge of Cwmdauddwr.

Nant-gwyllt House was added to by the late Thomas
Lewis lioyd, Esq. It is a strong, commodious mansion
of stone.

Noyadd, which signifies Hall, or Court, is situated in a
delightful valley -on the left bank of the Elan, and re-
sembles in its construction the letter H.

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BISTORV OF RADNORSHIRE. 235

Rhydoldog House was erected by the late Jeremiah
Oliver, Esq., of the city of London.

In former times, as well as at present, this parish was
distinguished by containing mines and minerals. At a
place on the hills, about three miles west from the town
of Rhayader, near the line of the old road that led to
Aberystwyth, named Gwaith-y-mwynau, t. e., the miners'
works, great quantities of lead ore, impregnated with
silver, were found in the reign of Charles I., which were
melted and coined for the pay of the royal army ; and
recently a lead mine was worked at Cwmelan, by the late
Thomas Grove, Esq., its proprietor.

The antiquities also of this parish are interesting ; and
the first that deserves our attention, as it was undoubtedly
the first in construction, is the tommen or tumulus which at
present is designated by the appellation of Tommen Llan-
santfraid, though not so originally ; for there is ground
for beh'eving that its existence was prior to the age in
which that saint lived, and that its primitive construction
was druidical. Contiguous to it, and only divided by the
road leading towards Noyadd, is a place named Bryn, with
accumulations of earth adjoining. The word is often
applied to signify a druidical court of judicature. The
addition, however, to the Tommen, of a deep foss and a
high rampart, made in a subsequent age, gives it the
character of a military position, destined to defend and
protect the adjoining cell of Dominicans, or Blackfriars,
placed at the western foot of Rhayader bridge, as well as
afterwards the church of St. Fraid, situated in front of it,
and also the castle of Rhayader, to which it served as an
outpost. The cell of the Dominicans, here mentioned,
was suppressed in the thirty-first year of the reign of
Henry VIII. Its temporal endowments are unknown.
Contiguous to this cell, and on the right hand of the road
leading to Aberystwyth, is another tumulus, or barrow,
the summit of which is excavated.

On the top of the hill, not far distant from the turbary,
is a huge stone, set erect in the ground, and having upon
it the figure of a cross. It is supposed to be commemo-

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236 HISTORY OP RADNORSHII1&

rative of the base assassination committed by the Fletning?
and Normans on Eineon Clyd, regulus of El^l, brother
of CadwalloD, regulns of Moelynaidd, on his return from
Cardigan, where be bad assisted in the celebration of the
festivities and tournaments instituted by his father-in-law,
lUiys, Prince of South Wales.

Near to Gwaith-y-mwynau there is a considerable
tumulus, or barrow. The use and designation of this work
may be collected from its local situation; for from thence
may distinctly be seen the castle of Rhayader, to which
fortress, therefore, it must have served as an outpost to
give intelligence to the garrison of the approach of an
enemy in a quarter from which most danger was to be ap-
prehended, namely, from the Flemings and Normaus, wno
had at that time over>run and possessed Cardiganshire.

Proceeding onwards from Abercy thon in a straight line
parallel to the course of the Elan, and through a valley
richly cultivated and picturesque, about three miles in a
westerly direction, we arrive at Nant Madoc, where the
ruins of Capel Madoc are at this day distinctly to be seen,
near to which in ancient times a monastery stood. Among
other temporalities, of which its endowment consisted, waa
an adjoining estate named Coed-y-mynach, or Monks'
Wood, which supplied its inmates with fuel for culinary
and other purposes. Frequent visits subsisted between
them and the neighbouring monks, either for the purpose
of their mutual peace and edification, or for consulting
together on their temporal interests; and it is recorded
that the inhabitants of this religious establishment were
accustomed, on certain periodical seasons, to visit their
brethren in the abbey of Strata Florida, in the county of
Cardigan, marching over the hills in procession, and
making the rocks re-echo their loud and chaunted hymns.
Their road over the mountains may at this day be traced.

The next piece of antiquity that occurs in point of time
is situated on the confines of this parish, where it comes
in contact with Cardiganshire, at a place named Aber-
nant-y-beddau. It consists of a huge stone set erect in
the ground, and bearing upon it this inscription : —

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HISTOBy OP RADNORSHIRE. 337

" Mae tribedd tribedoe
Ar Lannercli dirion leillionog,
Lie claddwjd ; tri Chawr mawr
O Sir Freclianioe

Owen, Milfjd, a Madog."

There are crown lands in this parish, holdeo by the
prepositor, the gross annual rent of which is £4 168. 8d.
The tenths of the Grainge in tliis parish, belonging to the
crown, are holdeo by Mrs. Margaret Lewis Lloyd, of
Nant-gwyllt, at the gross annual rent of 2s. 6d.
Ecciemtstical Account.

The old church of thii pariah was built in the form of a bam — low, long,
and dark. Its roof was covered with shingles. The present church, a neat
and handsome structure, was erected in the year 1778.

This benefice is a discharged vicarage, estimated in IMier Regis to be of
the clear yearly value of ^£25. The aggregate emoluments of tte vicarage,
arising from angmentation, composition for tithes, and surplice fees, amount
at present to nearly £100 per annum. The tithes are divided between the
prebendaty and the vicar ; but in the township of the Grunge the. vicar
enjoys onl^ the third part. The parish roister commences in the year 1678,
and contams several articles written in Latin.

List of Incumbents.

Howel Price 1680 Hugh Edwards 1741

John Davles 1683 Thomu Edwards I7S3

David Lewis 1724 Evaoa

Morgan Richards 1741

Charitable Donations.

In a year unknown, and whether by will or deed unknown, a rent-charge
of £2 13s. per annum upon land, now vested in Mr. Evan Thomas, was be-
queathed by John Davies, supposed td be the vicar collated in 1683, for the
benefit of poor inhabitants of this parish who have attained the age of 50
years, and of snch as are blind, dumb, and maimed.

In a year unknown, and whether by will or deed unknown, a rent-charge
of £2 per annum upon land, now vested in Mr. Thomas Lewis, was beqaeadied
by Jeremiah Foweil, for the benefit of the poor inhabitants of this parish. ,

About the year 1719, whether by will or deed unknown, a certain messuage
ealled Llawiyllan, and lands annexed, were given and devised by the Rev.
Charles Price, vicar of Llanarth, in the county of Cardigan, in trust, to his
heir-at-law, and to the vicara of Cwnidauddwr and Nantmel for the time
being, for the purpose of providing education for poor children of this parish,
and for the preacUn^ of five divimty sermons in the church of Cwmdauddnr
on the first Sunday m May, and on the first Sunday of the four succeeding
months, yearly. The school is kept in the town of Rhayader, by the sub-
cural« thereof, who 'a also master of the free school of Rhayader, and likewise
vicar of this parish.

BT. BARHON.

The common appellation of this parish is St. Harmon,
but the proper name is St. Gannon, the initial letter G

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238 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRB.

bein^ softened into H. The money raised for the service
of the year 1803 amounted to the aggregate sum of
£216, at 8s. 3d. in the pound. In each township the
king's taxes are collected separately.

It contains three manors or lordships: viz., Clas, which
belongs to Perceval Lewis, Esq., of Downton ; Rhiworiad,
the hereditary right of the Prince of Wales, or of tlie
crown of Great Britain, now leased by the Earl of Oxford;
a small portion included in this belongs at present to
J. C. Severn, Esq., of Penybont, but was formerly a
part of the demesne of the ancient family of Fowler, of
Abbey Cwmhir.

This parish contains numerous dmidical relics, rude
fortifications, and sepulchral memorials, such as distiD-
guished the ancient inhabitants of Siluria. On the
extreme point of an elevated hill, named the Gam, is a
most perfect cam, accompanied with a stone chest, human
bones, black earth, and other corresponding appendages.
On Foel Howell is an ancient tumulus, the remains of the
castle or sepulchre of Hy well ab Madoc, regulus of Moei-
ynaidd. Moel Bryn contains three mounds, or barrows,
probably seats of judicature in ancient times. Conti-
guous to Nant-y-Saeson is a single stone of huge dimen-
sions, placed erect in the earth, and also two large and
two small stones arranged quadrangularly, named "Dau
fraich, a dau law," that is, the two arms and the two
hands, near to a place called Hendrew. On the verge of
the common named "Waun Marteg," and near to the
river of that name, are three tumuli, placed in a triangular
position. On the Cnuch estate is a tumulus called Cry-
gin ; and near to a farm-house named Pen-y-pistill is
another, of much larger dimensions, named Cae Crygin;
and near to a farm-house called Nantserth-ucha, that is,
the upper steep brook, is a third tumulus, named Crygin
Sero, Many of these barrows are placed in so direct a
line of position as to be visible from each other, and
therefore in aucient times they may have been rendered
subservient to vigilatory purposes, and for spreading in-
telligence through the country, and not used as sepulchral

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HISTORY OF RADN0H8HIRB. 239

memorials of the illustrious dead, as is generally sup-
posed by the commonalty of these parts. The greater
part of them appear to have been military, and con-
structed for the defence of the country.

On the moor which divides the parishes of St. Harmon
and Llangurig, or that separates the county of Radnor
from that of Montgomery, was slain, in one of those
violent and bloody commotions which too often agitated
the ancient inhabitants of Wales, and contributed to ruin
the country and destroy its independence, Gwynne, the
brave son of .Llewelyn ab lorwerth, Prince of North
Wales.

There is also, on the bank of the river Marteg, at the
eastern extremity of the parish, near to the confines of
the parish of Llanbigter, a remarkable and conspicuous
tumulus named Bedd Garmon, i. e., the grave of Qarmon,
where perhaps the tutelary saint of this parish, or of
some person of that name of distinguished note, lies in-
terred. Probability favours the former supposition, as
tradition has transmitted an account that St. Qarmon
had an hermitage adjoining to the church-yard of this
parish.

About 150 years ago, so universal was the use of the
Welsh language in the county of Radnor, and so superior
its purity in so recent a period as the life-time of the late
Lewis Morris, Esq. — a most competent Judge — that is, in
the year 1747, that in all its churches Divine Service was
performed in that tongue alone. So great a revolution
has since taken place, that the church of St. Harmon,
situated io a remote and sequestered corner of the county,
the inhabitants of which have little or no direct inter-
course with England, remains in the present day the only
one in which Christian worship is celebrated, and re-
ligious instruction dispensed, in the aboriginal language
of Britain. But even here it is in a rapidly declining
state; and the English tongue, now almost become the
prevailing medium of oral and epistolary communication,
threatens its radical abolition.

The numerous cottages which of late years have been

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240 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIHB.

erected on the wastes indicate an increase of population
in this parish. According^ to the return published in the
year 1801, it consisted of 661 individuals.

JEccletiaitical Account.

The chnrch of St. normon is rituated on the right b&nk of &» river
Uarteg, Dearly in the centre of the pariah. It consists of a nave, chancel,
porch, and a low turret containing one small h^ The whole edifice is is s
Te>7 dilapidated state. The old cnurch, like all other 6ld chorches in Wales,
was huilt in a bam-like fashion — low, lone, and dark. Its antique appearance
^re some cobur to the tradition that it was coeval with the saint to which
it was dedicated. Some years ago, when Chase Price, Esq., was candidate
for the representation of this county in Farliament, its ruinous condition
rendered its reduction In size necessary. But the temporary relief which this
measure gave has ceased, and the whole fabric requires to he taken down and
rebuilt from the foundation.

The ancient inhabitants of this parish were distinguished, among other
qualities, by a gratefiil remembrance of their sanctified benefactors. For,
besides their care in perpetuating the name of (h^ patron saint by making
it the appellation of their pariah, they preserved in their church, with holy
reverence, the pastoral staff, or crook, of St. Gurig, which, in those days of

committed to the devouring flames at the time when the heretical t«fonuation
of the errors and corruptions of Popery took place in this kingdom.

This benefice Is a discharged vicarage, estimated In Liber Regis to be of the
clear yearly value of £5 15s. 2id

The prebendary of St. Harmon, in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock, is
stated m Liber Regis to be of the yearly value of i;3 17a. SJd. The yearly
tenths are 7s. SJd. This prebenda^, or einecupe, was sequestrated or abolishwl
by the repubUcan &nalics in the year 1649.

A few years ago was established a Methodistical conventicle ; also, a
chapel of the Baptist persuasion was erected at a place named Nant-gwin.
These dissenters from Uie Established Church are not supposed to be on the
increase.

lAtt of IncumheHtt.

William Jonei, ^ecttd by the parliamratary eommlsalooBrs, and the beD«flce

eequeslrated, 1649

Robert L(Wis 1739 John Dysr, A.M 1798

Llaweljm Davis 1745 Timothy Davlce 1786

John Lewis 1774 Evan Powell 1793

Charitable Donattont.

James Edward Morris bequeathed at a time unknown, and whether by will
or deed unknown, a sum of mcatey, the gross amount of whicb b £\Q, for
the relief of decayed labourers not chargeable to the parish.

Another account says that the yearly interest of ilO, left by James ab
Edward, supposed to be the same with James Edward Morris, is yeariy dis-
tributed by Evan Edwards and the chuicbwardens.

In the year 1781 Mr. Evan Davies, of Srchnant, in this parish, bequeathed
by will a legacy of the gross amount (»r £30, fiir ' ' " '"

e gross amount of £30, for the benefit of poor and

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HISTOBT OF RADNORSHIRB. !241

decayed labonron not cbar^ble to the poriEJi. Both those pecnniaty be-
quests are at present vested in Mr. David Davies.

A email estate in this parish, named Fenbedw, nas bequeathed by Lady
HortBtronge, relict of Sir Staudish Hartatronge, Bart, about the year 1709,
for the purpose of endowing a free school In the parish of Llanelweth, in tliif
county.

LLANFIBAXaBL-FACH, OR HELTOEN.

This name signifies the parish of St. Michael the Less,
or the parish of St Michael abounding in willows.

One of the most interesting vestiges of antiquity by
which this county is distinguished occupies a situation
in this parish. A Roman station, containing a Roman
cohort of soldiers, commanded by a prefect, established
and fortified on the left bank of the river leithon, in this
parish, and not in the adjoining parish of Llanhir, as
some have erroneously suppc^ed, became in process of
time a large and populous place, surrounded to a con-
siderable extent with buildings erected by the natives,
who had intermixed with the new colony, and assimilated
their manners to those of their conquerors. This cele-
brated station, which by the Romans was named MagOB,
but Caerfagu by the Silures, Camden, through error of
judgment, fixed at Old Radnor, and other antiquaries,
with as little foundation for their conjectures, at other
places. But if coincidence of distances, identity of name,
and many other concurring circumstances, have any
weight in determining questions of this kind, this fortified
mansion, commanding the line of the leithon and the
adjoining country, must appear to the mind of every im-
partial investigator as having juster claims and stronger
pretensions to be considered the very spot on which the
Roman governors of Britain constructed the Silurian
Magos, and facilitated its communication with their other
numerous stations in Britannia Secunda by the formation
of roads. Two of these immediately communicated with
the river Wye, one at liechrhyd, in the parish of Llanhir,
in this county, and the other at a place in the parish of
Clyro, opposite to the town of Hay. Another road passed
by the church of Llanbadam-fawr, leaving the village of
Penybont on the right, and, intersecting the country in
2i

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242 HISTORY OF RADMORflHIRE.

a line parallel with the river Clywedoc, piwieeded by
Bwlch-cefii-din, near to a farm-house called Cwmtelmau,
where it communicated with Gaer, in Llanddewi parish,
by Abbey Cwmhir, through Bwlch-y-sarnau, that is, the
defile or pass in the Roman road, and so on in a straight
line to the river Severn, opposite Caerswa, in the county
of Montgomery.

According to the return made of its resident popula-
tion in the year 1801 the number of its inhabitants was
102. The money raised by the several parochial assess-
ments for the service of the year 1803 amounted to the
sum of £24 Os. 2d., at 23. 6d. in the pound.

Eecle»iagtical Account.
The church b dedicated to St. Michael, whose memorv is Vttle honouT>ed
in the meaimeEB of its structure, and in its total want of Uiose appendages of
accommodation generally found in places set apart for religious worship.
For this has no baptiamal font, nor pulpit, nor ^und dedicated to funem
rites. The children bom in the pariah arc obhged to bo conveyed to the
chorchea of Nantmel and Llanhir, at a considerable distance, to receive the
sacrament of baptism, whither the dead are also transported for Christian
buiiaL With respect to the other sacrament of our holy religion, the total
neglect of its administratdon is connived at here, because there is no com-
mnnion-table. And yet the non-payment of tithes is not connived at, bot
rigidly enfraced. This benefice is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the vicarage
of XantmSL

List of IncumimU.

Evan Lewis 1703 Hugh Price 1763

Thomas Jonw 1758 Daniel Williams 1805

The signification of this name, written as above, is the
XiOng Church, or Parish. This parish contains two town-
ships, viz., Cil Ci, that is, the Retreat of the Dog ; and
Traws Coed, that is, Across the Wood.

The inhabitants possess a right of depasturing their
cattle, sheep, &c., on the common of Llandrindod ; and
they have hitherto resisted every application for joining
in a petition to Parliament for leave to inclose their com-
mons and waste lands.

The parochial assessments raised in the two townships
of this parish are collected separately and distinctly, and
the aggregate amount of them for 1803 was £200 ITs. 8d,>

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HISTOET OF RADNORSHIRE.

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244 HISTORY OF HADN0R8MIRE.

yetntd-EDDau on the east. It is a large parish, extending
ID leugth eight miles, and five in breadth, and contains
four townships, viz., Coed-glassoa, or the green groves ;
Faenor, or the summit; Maesgwyn, or the white field;
and Cwys-tudin, or the furrow of Tudwen. Each of these
collect their assessed taxes separately and distinctly, the
aggregate amount of which, for the service of the year
1803, was £469 14b. 5^d., at 6s. 8d. in the pound. It
is calculated that about two-thirds are inclosed and culti<
vated.

The chief mansion-house is Llanbarried.

The vestiges of antiquity that still exist in this parish
are numerous and interesting. And as the hill of Cwys-
tudin contains more relics of this description than any
other spot of equal dimensions within the parish, it is
just that the signification of its name be first settled and
defined, before its ancient vestiges be described. This
appears the more necessary from the erroneous explanation
assigned to it in a work of great popularity, viz., Mr.
CarTile's Topographical Dictionary of Wales, article,
" Nantmel," where it is printed "Gwastadedd." Now
this word signifies a plain ; whereas the thing itself is a
hill, suroassed, indeed, in height and dimensions by many
hills in Wales, but on each side sufficiently precipitous to
distinguish it from a plain, or level territory. Besides, to
interpret the name of this hill by Gwastadedd violates
analogy ; for the configuration ol^ the hill resembles an
immense furrow turned up by the plough. The current
name in the neighbourhood is not Gwastadedd, but Cwys-
tudin; and it is evident that its etymology consists of
Cwys, a furrow, and Tudwen, the saint of that name.
On the summit and on the sides of the hill are to be seen
to this day vestiges of furrows; and there is on this hill,
a little to the west of a farm-house named Skyrrhiw, a
particular place, now known by the appellation Cwystud-
wen, having traces of several furrows, and of some build-
ings, where it is probable this agricultural saint had his
dwelling and residence, and which gave name to the hill.
Whence it may justly be concluded that Cwystudwen is

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HISTORY OF RADNOttSHIRE. 245

the real name of the hill, and that its true signidcation is
the furrow of Tudwen.

Near to the above-mentioned place, Cwystudwen, are
two remarkable earns, named Carnwen, and Carnfach,
that is, the white and the little cam, each being of an
elliptical form, and having in the centre an erect stone of
superior magnitude. These relics have been much dis-
figured and altered from their original formation by the
spoliations of lazy and avaricious farmers, who have re-
moved many of the stones of which they were composed
for the purposes of building, and of road repairing, &c.

On the eastern extremity of this bill, and on a farm
named Gifron, is a place which the common people dis-
tinguish by the appellation Gwar-y-beddau, that is, the
ridge of graves ; it consists of three mounds, or elevations,
in which tradition reports three brothers, who, returning
from the wars, quarrelled, fought, and fell by each others'
Bwords, were interred. It is impossible at this remote
period to ascertain the names or the rank of these near
relatives ; but it is evident from these sepulchral memorials,
and other circumstances, that they were of considerable
note and distinction. In the adjoining turbary there was
found, some years ago, a human skull, having its full
complement of hair; probably the preservation of the hair
was owing to the astringency of the peat water.

But it is on the central summit of this hill that the most
remarkable and interesting vestige of antiquity is placed,
and which hitherto has escaped the notice of all preceding
antiquaries. On the south side stands a farm-house, at
present of mean appearance, but which was of considerable
note in former times, as its name, Bwlch-y-Uys, or the
defile leading to the palace or court, implies ; and tradition
reports it to have been the residence of the regulus of this
district, and also to have been occasionally occupied by
some of the Princes of Wales. No vestige, however, of
its ancient grandeur now remains. The whole of its mag-
nificence is confined to the north side, where, in a direct
line from the defile, is to be seen the site of the royal
palace, or court of judicature. These ruina consist of seven

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246 BISTOBY OP RADNORSHIRE.

or more large heaps of quarried stones, arranged east and
west, and placed in positions opposite to each other.
There can be little doubt of this place having once been
a court of judicature, instituted probably as early as the
druidical times.

Along one side of the lake Llyngwin there is an ele-
vation of ground resembling an embankment, of a semi-
circular form. .For what purpose this was done cannot
now be ascertained. Tradition says that in former times
there stood a town in this place,

A little to the east of the mansion of Llanbarried is a
farm-house named Qwyli^, being a,vigilatory appendage
to the Roman camp upon the leithon, in the parish of
Llanfihaugel Helygen, and commanding a distmct and
extensive view of the adjoining country. And on the
left band of the turnpike-road leading from the town of
Rhayader to Nantmel Church, between Hendre and
Dolau, there is a farm-house named Tafam-eithin. This
is supposed to have been the Taberna of the Roman
garrison of the camp above-mentioned, and the work
around Uyngwin to have constituted their baths.

On the bank of the rivulet Rhydtir, at a small distance
east from the town of Rhayader, whither it is supposed
the town formerly extended, and where a church, as tra-
dition reports, once stood upon an adjoining piece of
ground named Clytiau, or Pant-yr-Eglwys, that is, the
church-yard, is a solitary tumulus, or barrow, destitute
of a moat or vallum, and consequently sepulchral. It is
named Cefu-Ceidio, which signifies the ridge of Ceidio,
who was a Welsh saint that lived about the middle of the
fifth century.

Many of the hills in this parish are crowned with
British encampments. Many old houses also still retain
the appellation of " castles," as Castell-mawr, Castell-
newydd, &c., having each in their vicinity a tommen, or
tumulus, moated round, or intrenched, and therefore
military ; from which circumstance is derived their title
to the denomination of " Castell."

The inhabitants of this parish speak the two living lan-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 247

guages of this island, though the use of the aboriginal
tongue is rapidly declining, Divine Service in the church
being performed entirely in English.

EccUiiaitical Account.

The chnrcb of Nantmel !9 8ituat«<l nearly in tlie centre of the parish. Thla
benefice is a vicar^e, remwning in charge, and having anne:ied to it the chapel
of LLuthir. It is estimated in Liber Regis at £1 1 ITs. 6d. per annum ihie
yearly tenths are £1 3a. 8d. The Bishop of St Datid's is the patron. The
tithes are equally divided between the Chapter and Chanter of St. David's and
the vicar. The present lessee is Hans Busk, Esq. ; they ore worth £100 per
annum. This b^efice was sequestrated by the parliiuueutaiy commissioners in
the year 1649.

lAtt oflncumbenU.
Evan Lewla was inBtitnted by Onl. Clement, Sarrog. Areblep. Cant, 1703.

Hugh Pries, recollated 1763 1755 William Heason 1BI8

William Williams I78S J. B. Byera

John Williams IS04 Bfchard Vanablw

Charitable Donation*.

In the year 1718 Mr, John Davies devised by will the annual sum of £2,
secured upon land, and now vested in Mr. John Gnffiths, for tbe benefit of the
poor of uiis parish.

In the year 1718 Mr, Hugh Phillips, of Pea-y-flyimon, devised by will the
sum of £5 per annum, secured upon land, and vest«d in the late David Stephens,
Esq., and now in his representatives, for the poor of this parish. We are
informed that the will spedfiea that this sum left to the poor of this parish
from Pen-y-flynnon estate should be distributed at the discretion of the
minister and churchwardens ; but the person in whom it is now vested evades
that part of the will, and takes upon nimself, or at least pretends to, the dis-
tribution of the sama

RHAYADER, OR BHAIADBOWY.

The town of Rhayader contains four streets, intersecting
each other at right angles, and pointing nearly to the four
cardinal points. Though in this respect the form of this
town bears some resemblance to a Roman camp, and
though much fortification, exclusive of the castle and its
appendages, surrounds the place, yet there are no grounds
for believing that it was ever possessed by the Romans,
the river leithon being the boundary of their progress in
this district.

This town is a distinct and independent parish of itself,
exempt from county rates, maintaining its own poor, and
having a resident population of nearly 400 persons. The
money assessed and raised by the parish rates amounts

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248 HISTORY OF RADNORflHlHE.

Upon an average to £160 per annum. It contains a gramr
mar school, and an endowment of about £12 per annum
for the education of a limited number of poor children.
The school-house, which stands on the confines of the
church-yard towards the east, was erected by subscription
in the year 1793. The Rev. Mr. Evans, sub-curate of
Rhayader, is the present master.

The Town-hall, which is a handsome, modem, square
building, strengthened at both ends, east and west, by a
strong work of stone masonry, and having two commo-
dious rooms above, supported by arches resting on massy
oak pillars, is situated in the centre of the town, and was
erected in the year 1762, by subscription. The east and
west ends have each a circular arch of stone work, and over
the former is affixed a sun-dial, made by that celebrated
arithmetician, the Rev. Llewelyn Davies, vicar of St.
Harmon. The bridge over the Wye was erected in the
year 1780.

It is impossible now to ascertain the era in which
Rhayader began to be a distinct town. It probably
existed as such long prior to the Norman conquest. The
vestiges of antiquity, in which its vicinity abounds, refer
the population of the district in which it is included to
a much earlier age, even to the druidical times. Tra-
dition reports that the ancient town far exceeded the
present one in magnitude, and that its precincts extended
to Celii-ceidio on uie east, to Felin-dre on the south, and
in the same proportion on the two remaining points; and
that the avenues, now denominated lanes, were once io-
babited streets. However this may be, it is certain, that
the place was ever considered by the Princes of Wales,
and by their enemies, as of great importance, the object
of frequent contests, and made the victim both of intes-
tine and of foreign hostilities. Rhys, Prince of South
Wales, with his civil and military officers, and his army,
consisting of at least between five and six thousand men,
encamped here for several days ; whilst the Prince, in the
most solemn manner, in the church of Rhayader, in the
presence of a numerous assemblage of spectators, among

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HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 249

whom were the chieftains of the district, confimied the

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250 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

Cardiganshire banditti, compoBed of disbanded soldiers,
had long concealed themselves in an inaccessible cavern
near where the Devil's Bridge now stands. From hence
they sallied out, imposed contributions on the adjoining
country, and to their depredations sometimes joined the
occasional effusion of human blood. They were distin-
guished by the name of Plant Mat, or the children of
Mat. Leaving their lurkiog-place in the obscurity of
the night, and having arrived on the right bank' of the
Wye, they waited their opportunity, saf«y concealed in
a thick grove of oaks which grew on an estate named
Dderw, in the parish of Cwmdauddwr Llansantfraid ;
where, being informed by their spy that the judge would
repair at a certain hour on the ensuing rooming to the
church of Rhayader, previous to his entering on the
business of the sessions, they sallied forth, crossed the
river at Waun-y-capel, met him on Maes-bach, fired their

Eieces, and shot the venerable man through the heart,
turing the moments of amazement, with which the sud-
denness of this transaction overwhelmed the attendants,
the villains were able to effect their escape, and returned
over the hills to the cavern. The whole country soon
rose against them ; the murderers were besieged in their
rocky den, and, after a desperate resistance, taken, and
executed. After this it was ordered by Parliament that
the court of great sessions should be removed to Pres-
teigne, where the county court was also henceforward to
be holden, alternately with New Radnor.

Rhayader, having contributed both men and money
to the support of the royal cause of Charles L, was de-
nounced by the parliamentarians as malignant, and they
ordered a court of inquisition to be holden here by com-
mission, for investigating and confiscating the patrimonial
inheritance of Charles Stuart, &c. The meadow lands
named Gwirglodd, adjoining this town, and situated
within the precincts of the borough, together with the
town mill, had been previously alienated by James I.,

who had given or sold this property to iiloyd, Esq.,

of Dol-goch, in the parish of Cwmdauddwr. At present.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. ^Ol

Rhayader is a coosiderable market-town and place of trade,
and in it a TrooUen manufactory has for some years been
established.

Rhayader Cattle.
This fortress, which in ancient times conferred on the
town of Rhayader no inconsiderable degree of importance,
and was an object of much contention, advantageously
stood on a nook of the river Wye, a very little above
the place where the present stone bridge Is erected, at
the extremity of Maes-bach, or the little common. Of
the superstructure no vestige at present remains. Many
large stones, the foundations of its walls, the author of
this work remembers to have seen on the spot. The rest
had been conveyed thence, time immemorial, for purposes
now unknown. But the original foundation of the castle
may still be traced. The only entrance at present, which
preserves a communication with it, is a narrow space on
the north-east, between two deep trenches cut out of an
exceedingly solid schistous rock ; the one trench leads to
the river towards the north, the other is more inclined to
the east. Along the south foundation runs a foss, about
16 feet deep and 12 feet wide, until it communicates with
a steep precipice, whence issues a spring that formeriy
supplied the garrison, and now the inhabitants of the
town, with most excellent water. The bottom of the preci-
pice runs parallel with the bed of the river. These three
trenches form three sides of a hexagon, the very figure in
which this fortress was constructed. The several tumuli,
or barrows, situated in the vicinity of the castle, at irre-
gular distances, have been already enumerated; excepting
perhaps one wliich stands on the brow of the hill to the
west, which overlooks the town, and which served as a
vigilatory post to communicate to the garrison intelligence
of the approach of an enemy. The particular situation
of this outwork, and indeed of the fortifications of the
town, which exteilded from the northern bank of the river
Wye to its southern, having the castle and the other
tumuli in the centre of the line westward, and leaving its

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252 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIHE.

eastern side totally unguarded, sufficently explains the
reasons which demanded their construction, and clearly
indicates the enemy against whom they were intended to
guard. The depredations and cruelties committed by the
Normans and Flemings who had settled themselves on the
sea-coasts of the counties of Pembroke and Cardigan, and
the horrid murder which they perpetrated on Eineon Clyd
and Morgan ab Meredudd on the hills of Cwmdauddwr,
as these reguli were peaceably and unsuspiciously re-
turning from Aberteifi, rendered a precaution of this kind
absolutely necessary. Influenced by these considerations,
Rhys, Prince of South Wales, constructed this castle, for
repelling such sanguinary incursions. Eventually, the
fortress stood him in a double stead ; the fidelity of its
garrison, and the strength of its works, serving to coun-
teract the machinations of his personal enemies and com-
petitors. For it was no sooner completed than the sons
of Conan, who himself was the illegitimate offspring of
Owen Gwynedd, Prince of North Wales, envying the
glory and prosperity of Rhys, marched with united forces,
and attacked this his favourite castle ; but after having
lain before it a considerable length of time, they raised the
siege, (a.d. 1178,) and returned into their own country,
stUDg with disappointment.

GiralduB Cambrensis relates, in his Itinerary/ of Wales,
an extraordinary occurrence to have happened in the
castle of Rhayader, (a.d. 1 188.) A certain delinquent
was imprisoned in this fortress. His wife, anxious for his
liberation, found means secretly to convey to him a port-
able bell, which, as the avaricious and imposing monks
informed her, possessed the wonderful efficacy of liberating
prisoners from confinement. The governor of the castle,
true to his trust, and in equal defiance of monkish indig-
nation and of this alleged virtue, refused to liberate his
prisoner, or even to restore the magical bell; upon which,
as this historical divine gravely adds, both the town and
the castle of Rhayader, excepting only the fortunate wall
on which the bell had been suspended, was by divine
vengeance in one night consumed by lightning.

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

We hear no more, of the castle of Rhayader for the apace
of Dearly seven years, when the fury of civil war instigated
uDparatleled enormities, and a most nnnatural conspiracy
broke out amongst the sons of Prince Rhys, who impri-
soned their aged father, and took and burned to the ground
this his favourite fortress. Recovering his liberty, and
knowing the importance of having a fortified station in
this place, which in a manner commanded the communi-
cation between North and South Wales, the prince ordered
it to be reconstructed and regarrisoned. (a.d. 1 194.) It
was afterwards consigned to the care of Cadwallon ab
Madoc, regulus of Moelynaidd and Cerri, who zealously
supported his country's cause, and manfully opposed the
encroachments of the ambitions house of Mortimer. He
fought several severe battles, and was at length defeated
and imprisoned through the treachery of his brothers,
whom the English had seduced to favour their interests.
Having Recovered his liberty and his property, chiefly by
the mediation of Prince Rhys, he soon died, (a.d. 1230,)
and his possessions in Moelynaidd and Cerri were dis-
tributed, conformably to the laws of gavelkind, among
his children, whom, disunited among themselves, and
abandoned by the Princes of Wales, Roger Mortimer,
Earl of Wigmore, dispossessed of all their estates in this
county. From this period the castle and town of Rhaya-
dergwy became the property of the family of Mortimer.
Soon after this event, Llewelyn ab lorwerth. Prince of
North Wales, having defeated Hubert de Bui^h, the
general of Henry III., and compelled him to retire from
Wales, destroyed most of the Norman castles constructed
in the Marches, and leading his victorious army to this
district, he laid siege to the castle of Rhayader, which he
took by assault and burned to the ground, and put the
whole garrison of Mortimer to the sword,

Historians are silent whether this castle recovered itself
from the effects of this complete catastrophe. This silence
militates against the supposition of its restoration to its
former splendour and importance. For had it existed
during tne hostile and furious iacursiun which Owen

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254 HtSTOBY OF RADNORSHIRE.

Olyndwrdwy made into this district, theo in Bobjection
to the family of Mortimer, some notice wonld have been
taken of it ; nor would that bold chieftain, when he
marched hence to the gates of Worcester, have left a
place of this consequence in his rear, and in the hands of
his enemy.

The site on which the old castle stood merged to the
crown at the accession of Edward IV. to the throne of
England, and is, or ought to be, vested in the Earl of
Oxford.

Borough.
Rhayadei^wy is an ancient borough by prescription,
governed by a bailiff, who is annually elected. Here are
holden a court-leet, and a court-baron, at the former of
which the burgesses are elected by the town jury. The
rights, privileges, customs, boundaries, and extents of this
borough, it is thought best to express in the words of the
several presentments of these two courts, copies of which
are as follow : —

A Court-Leet wm hoMea in the Boroodi of Bhajader, on the second dttv of

May, in the twelfth jev of Charies L, (a.d. 1 637,) before Charles Pnce,

Esq., the Depntj Steward of Philip, Earl of Pembroke and MontgomeT7,

the jorora whereof presented and declared, —

L — That a heniot of two BhillingB is due to the King's Majeety up<H) the

decease of every t«nant djine seized of any messuage, tenement, or lands

within the said borough or liberties thereof; and that the like sum of two

shillings is due upon ditenation of any measuaces, tenements, or lands, upon

any person or peraouB within the said borough or liberdes thereof, and no

n That the bailiff of the s^d borough was accustomed to be elected at

His Majesty's leet holden for the said borough afler Michaelmas yearly, rather
out of die residing or foreign burgesses, provided that if a forragn burgess be
to be elected, then it is requisite and agraeable to the custom there used
that he be residing within the said borough upon the Michaelmas-night next
before the said leet, together with his wife, and necessary household stuff, as
pot, pan, cat and dog, else not to be admitted to the office.

Tit. — That the biuiiff for the tame being, at the leet aforeaud, is to present
to the stewards of the same sitting in coiut, the names of two such of the
burgesses as are in election besides himself, with the names of such other of
the Durgesses as approve the same, out of which choice the s^d stewards in
court are to make election of any one of them to be bailiff, if there be no cross
return put in by other of the burgesses for the election of another ; and if there
be, then the bsjliff is to be elected by the major voice of the burgesses, wherein
no foreign burgesses have a vcnce, except they be then resident

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 255

IV. — That the office of bailiff doth partlj' conwrt in gaAering andaccoimtiiie
for His Majesty's use all such rents, bnea, and amerciaments (S courts-leet and
courts-baron, wufe, egtmyB, and other, fbrfeilures happening and felling due,
and to be found nithia the said borough and libertiea thereof ; and to answer
and pay the same at His Majesty's receipt, when as he shall be required ; in
respect whereof -the said baiuff is entitled to a fee called merements.

V — That burgesses be elected when occa^on shall require with the steward's
approbation by the homage of the residing burgesses at the coiirt-leet, wherein
no for^gn burgess hath voice to elect or oppose, unless he be rending in town
at Uichaelmaa-night. And in case another burgess doth oppose, then it is
requisite by the s^d custom, that such opporationer be then in person present,
seconded with two such other voices more to oppose the same, or in default
thereof, he is himself to produce two more to be present at the next oourt-
baron there to be holden, to oppose the same ; else the first election to stand,
and the persons elect«d to be admitted and awom.

Jurors.

Ludovice Evans, Gent. David ab Evan Mill'-

Ricdus David ZJoyd, Gent. Ludovice ab HowelL

Evan Joseph. Kee David Faber.

David ab Evan ab HowelL Bice Da' ab Riehard, Junr.

ETan ab Hugh. Johannes Thomas.

Johes. Evans. Edmund ab Hugh.
Johnes Jenkins, Constable.

At a Court of Jury holden for the Manor and Borough of Rhayader, the

following presentments declarative of its rights and aninent customs, and

in answer to several ardcles demanded by the States and Commons of

England, in relation to the right and property due to the late King and

his progenitors of and from the saia Manor and Borou^, holden the

twenty-ninth of November, 1649,beforeHeniy Makq>euce,JohnIkIarriott,

Peter Price, and John Lli^d, Inquires, —

L — The said manor and borough in length, and breadth, and compass,

extends from a place called LUdiard-fawr northward to a gate called Llidiard

Cae James ; thence to a brook called Caemluod eastward ; thence along that

river called Wye to a place called Lhdiard-yr-hendre westward ; and so alon^

that gate to the said Llidiard-tawr northward ; and that the late king and his

progenitors were lords thereof.

11. — That the freeholders and their t«nantB hold their services by holding
of suit to the court-leet and court-baron, and paying of herriot, to^^er wil£
one hundred shillings cMd" rent, and that is to be paid by the b^ff for the
time beine at the audit or receipt next aA«r Michaelmas, and (hat yearly, to
the use of the late king, and now consequently to the states and commons of
England.

ni .That the freeholders and their tenants by their rents and services are

so entitled in the commons called Maes-j-drS, and Maes-bach, as purtenancea
to thar freeholds, so that they have had, and still have, power to give leave to
poor people that want habitation to build upon the same, and to inclose any
part of me said commons at their pleasure.

IV. — That John Lloyd, of Dol, Gent., deceased, did purchase in fee-farm
his h^rs and assigns for ever, one mill and meadow, Gwirglodd-fawr, and
certain other lands within this manor or borough, of King James I., about the
first year of his reign, reserving yearly rent to the crown, and that the same is
in possession of Eleanor Uoyd, his widow, and her tenants.

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256 HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

V_Thu confirms the herrioU due upon decease and alienation, and decUree
the toll of the market to belong to Sir Edmund Sawyer, and that Howell Jonea,
Esq^ is his agent and Us under-fanner, to gather the same.

vl No copyholders within thia manor or borough.

Til Courts-leet holden twice a year, viz., within a month of Easter, and

within a month of Michaelmas. The court-baron every three weeks. The
court-leet to be holden by steward and bailifT, and any thirteen men or more
of the freeholders, tenants, and burgesses, to inquire and present thwr andent
customs within this manor or borongh in behalf of the lord and themselves.
And the conrt-baron is to be holden by bailiff and steward, and served by the
burgesses, freeholders, and tenants, to serve as jurors betwixt party and party,
and that to the number of six men being then sworn. And that the free-
hold lands are holden in fee-soccage-t«nure under the last king, b«ng lord
of the EBJd manor and borough, as tmder his manor of Greenwi(£. And that
the bmliff's fee is called merements, a farthing for pitching every market-
day, and a penny every fair-day for pitohing ; and that there are two markets
every week, viz., every Wednesday and Saturday ; and one f»Jt on the twenty-
third of November ; and three days of meeting, or fair-days, on the twenty-
sixth of Juh', fifteenth of August, and sixteenth of September, yearly.

VIH That Iiewis ab Hugh alienated one messuage, one close and ^rden,

with a httle house and piece of ground thereunto, belon^ng to Hugh Powell,
Gent., for which a hemot of two shillings is due.

IX — That the late king granted to uie freeholders and tenants within the
same manor or borough, belonging to the lordship of Moelyniudd and
Gwerth^Tiion, of which this manor la a member, a charter under the great
seal of England. The records and customs of the court-leet and conrt-baron
are kept by James Price, Esq., of Pilleth.

X — No works due on the freeholders and tenants within the said manor or
borough, but touching the rents and services before-mentioned.

XI — That there is a church within this manor or borough, which is a chapel
belonging to Nantmel ; that the parson's part js sequestrated by the committee
of sequestrations ; that Robert Powell, an orthodox divine, the present
incumbent, doth hold the same by the approbation of the Assembly of Divines,
and the Great Seal of England ; that the tenth of all the town hay is paid,
lambs, wool, and cheese to the siud parson or vicar, the same to be equally
divided between them, and the same tithe is set out yearly for fifty shillings.

Evan David, Gent.

Median Lenis, Gent Edward Lloyd, Gent.

David Jn°. Pyrce, Gent. Rees David Itichard, Gent.

Owen Vaudian, Gent. Evan ab Rees ab Evan Gongh, Gent.

Lewis ab Hugh, Gent. Stephen Jones, Gent.

James, Lloyd, Gent. Evan Pugh, Gent

John Evans, Gent, David ab Evan Pyrce, Gent.

The inhabitants are accommodated with a supply of
fresh water, both in the heat of summer and the frostB of
winter, conveyed through the middle of the town from a
spring at the extremity of Maes-y-dref, by means of an
artificial channel, close to their doors. This stream is now
named Bwgey.or Bwch-gwy. The comeliness and beauty

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HISTORY OF RADFTORSHIRE. 257

of the children of this town have been the subject of
observation to every traveller, and is recorded in the
following short but ancient adage, —

" Adam Bwgey, Glanha ynghymry,"
that is, —

" The fairest children Walea can have,
Are those that drink bright Bwgey'e wave."

Rhayadei^wy having been, from time immemorial, a
manor belonging to t£e Princes of Wales, and under
them to the royal tribe of Etlistan Olodrudd, Lords of
Moelynaidd, rferllys, and Cerrl, enjoyed privileges,
honours, and immunities, in which property of inferior
description was not allowed to participate. Tliese marks
of favour were continued whilst it remained subject to
the Earls of Marche and Wigmore ; and when a descen-
dant of that powerful family ascended the throne of
England, it became a part of the royal patrimony of the
sovereigns of that country, each of whom it has the
honour to regard as its lord. But it was reserved for
the reign of Henry VIIL, who, sprung from Welsh an-
cestors, patronized the inhabitants of the Principality, and
endowed them with the same rights and privileges as his
English subjects possessed, to rescue this royal lordship
from obscurity, and invest it with a right in common
with the other contributory boroughs to vote for the
election of a representative in Parliament for Radnor.
This privilege was conferred by statute enacted in the
twenty -seventh year of his reign, (a.d. 1536.) The
manner of electing its burgesses, who are entitled to vote
at elections, is as follows : At a court-leet the jury, being
impanelled, present to the steward, or deputy-steward,
the names of such persons, whether inhabitants or not,
whom they think proper to select as fit and proper persons
to be made burgesses. This presentment being accepted
by the steward, the persons so presented are generally
sworn in immediately, if they be present in court, but if
notpresent, at a subsequent court.

Though the rent of land within the limits of this
St

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258 HIBTORT OF lUDHOMHIftX.

borongh is as high as £5 per acre per annum, yet the
number of acre^ uDinclosed and uncultivated exceeds that
of those which are inclosed and cultivated ; the former
amounting to 90 acres, and the latter to 87, as it appears
by a survey made in the year 1787. The uninclosed and
uncultivated land comprizes Maes-y-dref, Maes-bach,
and Waun-y-capel. Part of Maes-y-dref has at times
been inclosed, and converted to tillage; in which case
it was apportioned among the householders, paying scot,
and liable to lot, by a pound rate. The last inclosure
took place in the year 1775, not without some gambling
and opposition set up by a few of the neighbouring
farmers, who, though neither residents or occupants
within the borough, nor consequently liable to pay suit
or service thereto, have exercised a custom which, through
long connivance, is usurped as a right, of depasturing
their cattle and sheep upon these commons, whilst the
inhabitants of the borough, in whom the sole right is
vested, are terrified from the attempt of establishing and
confirming their exclusive claim by the enormous expense
to be incurred by an application to Parliament for an
inclosure act.

On the western extremity of the common called Maes-
y-dref ia a most excellent spring of pure and limpid
water, named St. Mary's Well. It was heretofore a custom
for the young people of Rhayader, of both sexes, to resort
hitlier on Sunday evenings, during the spring and summer
seasons, to drink this salutary leverage sweetened with
sugar. Adjoining to this fountain there stood formerly,
previous to their mutilation, vestiges of druidical con-
struction, such as a cromlech, and an elliptical basin
chiselled out of the solid rock, and corresponding with
the description given by Borlase in his Hittory of Com-
vmll.

On the south-eastern side of Maes-bach is a small
collecticm of houses named " Pentr^-hoeth," that is, the
hot suburb or village. The cause of the addition of this
epithet has given rise to various conjectures.

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HISTOaT OF RADHORSaiBB. S59

EedetiaitUsal Account,

The chnreh of Rhamdei^^ stands on the north-wert ride of the town.

Rhji ab Gniffudd, Piince of South Wales, escorted by an army amounting
at least to between five and six thousand men, arriTed in Uie town of Hhafadsr,
and made a magnificent procession to the church, where, in the jji'esence of
an innumerable concourse of people, he ratified and confirmed, m the most
■okuui mann^', the immunitiea, libffl*ties, and donations with which he had
endowed his newly-wected abbey of Strata Florida, in the county of Cardigan.
The perpetual property of that territcoy, now denominated the Grange of
CwmdauddwT, was at this time conferred on the monks of that monastery.
The idea (£ so great a multitude of persons, some of whom were of the hi^^
rank and distinction, assembling in tlie town of Rhayader, and abiding there
some days, at least suggests the opinion that the place at that period must have
been much larger in extent, and the country around better cultivated and more
fertile, in order to be capable of fijmisMng the necessary provisions and
accommodations which this numerous and divenified assemblage reqiii><ed.
This historical bet is alone suffident to prove the importance aud respcctabiUty
in which this divi^n of the county of Radnor was anciently holdeu.

A custom prevailed to a recent period for Divine Service to be performed in
the chm-ch of lUiayader on Christmas-day yearly, at six o'clock in the morning,
OH which occasion the church was completely illuminated. The abuse of this
pious custom, called in the Welsh language " Plyg^n," caused its abolition.

Another ancient practice, derived probably from the druidical institulioD,
was (Aserved in this town till of late years with ripd tenacity. The attendants
on every funeral procession were wont to carry a small stone or pebble in their
hand, which, on the arrival of the bier at the turn of the road leading to the
churdi, they threw to a large heap of stones that had accumulated uiere b^
amilar means, saying, " cam ar ay ben," that is, a stone on thy head. This
rdic, savouring of superstition, though harmless in itself, was deemed unfit to
be continued under the hgbt of Christianity. The act, however, of recording
tbe practice of our ancestors, as it may lead to the knowledge of their prin-

The church or chapel of Rhayadergny is dedicated to St. Clement, the con-
temporai7 of St. Paul. The benefice is a perpetual curacy, in the diocese of
SL David's, not in charge, annexed to the vicarage of Nantmcl, and estimated
in Liber Regis at the yearly value of XI 15s. The ricar of Nantmel is the
patron. It has been augmented by Queen Anne's bounly.

On digging the founifition of the new tower of the church of Ehayadergwy,
erected in the year 1 783, a great number of skeletons were discovered about a
foot below the surface of the ground, arranged ride by ride, in a most regular
and orderly manner, with their respective heads placed in tiio same direction ;
one skeleton only excepted, which was of an immense size, the thigh-bone
measuring more than one yard in length. This skeleton was placed in a di-
rection contrary to all the rest All the teeth in the skulls were sound and
whole, and rivalling ivory in whiteness. This discovery gave rise to mudi
discussion. After many conjectures as to the time and occasion of this in-
terment, it was at last unanimously agreed upon that these skeleton bones were
the remains of the garrison soldiers of the castle of Khayadergwy, whom
Llewdyn ab lorwerth. Prince of North Wales, had put to the sword, and the
inhabitants of the town buried in this methodical manner under the old belAy
of the ancient chnreh. That individual skeleton, which was of gigantic mag-
nitude, and placed in a direction contrary to all the others, was supposed to
haTe been t£at of the commander of the castle. All these bones were care-

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260 HISTORY OF RA.DN0R8HIBB;

fiillj collected, mnd deposited in one bi^ie ^ve opened in tlie chnrcV-jard,
hy order of the &ther of the compiler of thu higtoiy.

Rhayader mill is crown propertj', now bcdden by Erim Stephans, Esq., of
Crachell, in this conntj. The gross animal nnt is 17b. id. InlTSloneyear
was in arrear. The eame rent waa iceerved in the gnut made by Cbariea I,
to Eden, Scrivoi, and othera.

In the Dean of Windsor's lease a mention occnn of crown land to Rha-
yader, Bupposed to be Gwii^^lodd-fitwr, the groei annual rent of which, together
with the vAie, amount to i£3 Gs. fid. ; and also of the borough of Rhayado',
theeroM annual rent of which is i4 IBs. 8d., due from the prepositor.

"ne PrCBbyteriami and Calriuisdc Methodists liave each a coavenllcle here.
The fbnner was the old gaol, near the Tower Hill ; the other is in the same
street A meetdng-house for the Wealeyau Methodista was erected in East
Street; bnt, for want of sapport, hai now totally decbwd.

Charitable Donattotu.
In a year unknown Mr. John Davis left a rent-charge of £2 15a iq>onIand,

now vest«d in Thomas Price and John Daviea by will, for the purpose of
teacliing poor children.

About the year 1720 David Morgan, Esq., of Bettws Diserth, devised by
will a reut-charee of £3 upon land, vested m the late John Davies, for the
purpose of teacUng poor children.

About the year 1719 the Kev. Charles Price bequeathed W will the annnal
snm of £11 128., secured upon land, and now vested in the Rev. --.— Evans,
for the maiuteuance of a Bchoolmaster iu or near Cwmdauddwr Church, distant
from Rhayader ^Mjut a furlong, for teaching a certain number of poor chil-
dren. Tms school is now kept in Rhayader.

In the year 1813 the
use of the Vice-Chance
a smn in the three per cent, consols, reduced by the legacy duty to the sum
ot£59 8s., for the purpose of establishing alecture^p m the church of Rba-
yadergwy, and of increasing the salary of the parish clerk, as a compenaatioit
for his attendance when the duty is pmbnned.

OEFM-T-LLTS HDITSRBD.

This modern diviEion of the county of Radnor received
its name from the celebrated castle so called; and the
castle from the palace, or court of judicature, erected and
established on an elevated spot impending over the river
leithon by the ancient Silurian Tcguli. This hundred
embraces the central division of the county, having the
hundred of Knighton on the north side of it, that of
Radnor on the east, Pain's Castle and Colwyn on the
south, and that of Rhayader on the west; and comprehends
peirtly the ancient cwmwd of Swydd-wynogion, and
partly Swydd-yr-alU, in 'the Cantref of Elfael. It con-
tains nine parishes, viz., BlaiddfS., Cefn-y-llys, Llan-

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HtSTOBY OF RADNORSHIRE. 261

badam-fawr, Llandegla, Llan-y-drindod, LianfihEingel-
rhyd-Eithon, Uangunllo, Pilleth, Whitton. The parishes
of Cefti-y-llys, Llandrindod, Craig township in Llandegla,
and Cem-y-pawl township in Llanbister, are situated
in the cwmwd of Swydd-wynogion ; whilst Llandegla,
Llangunllo, LlanfihEingel-rhyd-EithoD, Llanbadam-fawr,
Pilleth, and Whitton, are in the cwmwd of Swydd-yr-allt.

The parish of Blaiddfa contains upwards of 4000 acres
of land, of which about 1200 are hills, 400 wood, and
the remainder inclosed and cultivated. It also contains
one forest, which, being in ancient times exposed to the
cruel incursions of wolves, has, in consequence of the wise
policy of destroying those ravenous animah, become a
secure, excellent, and lucrative sheep-walk. This forest
is an appendage of the crown, and leased by Richard
Price, Esq., the present representative of the borough of
Radnor; the under tenants paying a fixed rate, similar
to that of Radnor forest, for the privilege of depasturing
their cattle, sheep, &c., thereon. The same gentleman
holds the lordship or manor of Blaiddl^.

In this parish, within a few yards of the turn which
the turnpike-road leading from Presteigne to Knighton
takes in the direction towards Penybont, stands a manorial
house of venerable an tiquity,commonIynamedMonach-ty.
This name implies a monastery ; and the tradition of the
neighbourhood seems to sanction this designation. But
this is one of those vulgar reports which have no founda-
tion in fact. There is no other proof of the existence of
a monastic establishment in this place, than because a
part of the estate still retains the British appellation
C16g, which signifies a grange ; it being one of the en-
dowments with which Roger Mortimer, Earl of Marche
and Wigmorc augmented the temporalities of Abbey
Cwmhir, and because, in all probability, King Henry
VIII., out of his great favour and grace to the Welsh, had
permitted the last abbot of Cwmhir to retire to this
sequestered spot, and here end his days in solitude and

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HISTORY OF SADNOBSBIRE.

peace. Or perhaps historians may have confounded this
place with its neighbouring Monach-ty, situated near
■ Knighton, on the left bank of the river Tame, which un-
doubtedly was a monastic cell, and to which, as tradition
reports, the monks of Abbey Cwmhir, after the dissolu-
tion of their society, retired. To which may be added
the following solution of this historical difficulty : The
error of supposing this house to have been a monastery
is to be ascribed to the corrupt appellation by which it
has been designated for several years past. The original
name was not Monach-ty, that is, an habitation of monks,
but Monad-ty, that is, a house in an isolated situation ;
which signification exactly corresponds with the situation
of the place ; for it is embosomed in an amphitheatre of
hills and woods, and does not visibly appear to the tra-
veller till he suddenly and unexpectedly falls upon it.

The house of Monach-ty bears all the appearance of
having been a very respectable manorial mansion. It is
built of stone, and flanked with two wings. The interior
contains many very lofty, grand, and spacious apartments,
especially the great hall, which present an idea of the
splendour and magnificence of ancient times. It contains
also a dungeon, or a condemned hole for convicts, and
consequently a court of judicature, in which offences
against the rights, kc., of the manor, and the'property of
the tenants, were tried and condemned. On the south-
east wall of the house, the following coats of arms are
sculptured in relievo : — 1. A chevron between three lions
rampant, and three spear beads, with trefoils. 2. A
chevron between three spear heads, and also these two
initial letters, J. P., and date, 1638.

The first proprietor of this house and estate of whom
any authentic account has been transmitted was James
Price, Esq., who served the office of high sheriff for the
county of Radnor in the year 1552, being the sixth of
Edward VI. The same gentleman was sherifl'in the year
1574, being the seventeenth year of Queen Ehzabeth's
reign. The next proprietor was John Price, Esq., probably
the son of the preceding. He served the office of high

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Dmtradb, Google

HI8T0HY OF RADNORSHIRE. 263

sheriff for this county in the year of our Lord, 1576, and
was succeeded in this property by his son, James Price,
Esq., who was high sheriff for this county in the year
1599, being the forty-first of Queen Elizabeth. The two
initials above plainly bear allusion to this gentleman,

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S64 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

preservation, very curious pieces of ancient armour ;
particularly an helmet and breast-plate of iron; and
halberds, originally twelve in numher, nine feet in length,
the iron heads of which are formed to resemble those of
a battle-axe, and adapted for cutting as well as thrusting.
The general opinion, however, is, that they were never
used as instruments of war, but as preservatives of peace,
being carried by the sheriff's men in procession before the
two justices of assize for the county when on the circuit.

Blaiddla Hall was the seat and property of a respectable
family of the name of Clarke. Two gentlemen of this
family served the office of high sheriff of this county,
viz., John Clarke, Esq., in I7I6, and John Clarke, Esq.,
in 1735. The late Charles Rogers, Esq., of Stanage, was
related to this family by the maternal side.

The number of paupers in this parish is small, and the
parochial assessments are moderate. The low sum of
£38 13s. 7d., assessed at Is. 4d. in the pound, sufficed
for all the demands of the year 1803.
EceksiasHcal Acamnt.
The chtirch of Bluddf& a a mde edifice, conmBtins of & nave, chancd,
low tower, and porch. The tower contuns one belL It is dedicated to St.
Mary. The benefice is a rectory, estdmated in Lib»- Regi» at £12 10b. Id. per
anniim ; but aa aJl the tithes oS the pariah are aonBxed to the rectoir, the
annual emolumeats of tberectormnst oe considerable. The yearly tenths are
£\ la. 2j<L The Bishop of St. David's is the patroo.

Charitable Donation.
Above a centory ago a person named . — Wilkes bequeathed by will a
rent-chanfe of the clear annual income of 1b. upon land, now vested in David
Jeokiiu, toT the benefit of the poor of Has pansh.

LUt of iTtcumibenU.

■ Brown was rector of thii pariih, and ^acted b; the parllameBtarj wqaMtratora ;

the tithes were conflscated and appropriated Co (he dm of the govemnient, 1649.

Henry Heredith, A.H 1733 Williun Baker 1703

Thomisfiowen 1766 Ditto, recollatad 1700

wmiam Crawferd, A.M 1768

OEFII-Y-LLT9.

In describing this portion of the hundred, we shall
consider it under these three general heads, viz., the castle,
ikt borough, and the parish.

This castle, indeed, has sometimes been denominated

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HISTO&Y OF RADNORSHIRE. 265

Castell-GIyn-IeithoD, because its situation is upon a bank
or ridge that overlooks the vale of the river leithoD. Its
original construction was so admirably adapted for de-
fence as to be almost impregnable against the modes of
attack practised in those days, when the use of gunpowder
and artillery was unknown. However, in 1262, it was
taken by surprize by a detachment of troops sent thither
by the order of Llewelyn ab Ciruffudd, Prince of North
Wales, who had defeated Roger Mortimer in the field, and
was laying waste his Radnorshire and Herefordshire estates
with fire and sword. The governor of the castle was made
a prisoner, and the greater part of the garrison, who were
Herefordshire men, were put to the sword. Afler this
capture the right policy which this detachment should
have pursued was to have razed the walls of the castle,
and levelled them with the ground, and then to have re-
tired into their own country ; instead of which they made
it their residence, in a country every part of which was
possessed by their enemies, who soon besieged them, cut
off their supplies, and compelled them by starvation to
an unconditional surrender. It remained ever after in the
possession of the Norman Lords of Moelynaidd, who esta-
blished in it that tremendous court of justice, or rather
injustice, called the Lords Marchers' Court, which gave
them an uncontrolled authority over all the inhabitants,
and over the whole property of the country. It became
the resort of traitors and unprincipled banditti, who were
prepared to swear anythiag, and against any person, to
gratify the will and avarice of their employer. By these
nefarious means many an innocent inhabitant of the
country has been deprived at once both of his estate and
of his life. In tJie reign of Henry VI. died Edmund, the
last Earl of Marche and Wigmore of the name of Mor-
timer, leaving no issue. This castle then devolved to
Richard, Duke of York, and Earl of Cambridge, in right
of his wife Anne, the only surviving sister and heir of the
aforesaid Edmund ; and upon the accession of his son to
the throne of England, by the name of King Edward IV.,
it finally was annexed to the crown of Great Britain.
2m

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266 HIBTORT OF RADNORSHIRB.

Camden, the antiquary, relates that, in his time, viz.,
about the year 1558, it lay in ruins, and that the site on
which it Btood then belonged to the Duke of York.
Several years ago a silver thumb-ring was dug up in a
place called the Castle Garden, and is now in possessioa
of a lady named Mrs. Edwards, of Greenfields. Many

Eersons ascribe it to remote antiquity, and suppose it to
ave been the signet-ring of one of the Princes of South
Wales, probably Rhys, who occasionally resided in the
oaatle of Cefn-y-Uys.

Cefn-y-llys is a borough by prescription, and by the
37th of Henry VIII. was annexed as one of the four con-
tributory boroughs which enjoy the right to nominate
and qualify bur^;e8ses for voting for a representative in
Parliament for the borough of New Radnor. Its burgesses
when duly elected, are chosen in the following manner :—
At a court-leet holden by the steward, or deputy-steward,
presiding over this borough, the jury, who have been
previously summoned, and who ought to be burgesses of
the same, are impanelled, and present the names of such
persons, whether inhabitants of the borough or not, whom
they think proper to select as fit and proper persons to be
made burgesses. This presentment being accepted by the
steward, the persons so presented are generally sworn in
immediately, if they be present in court, but if not, at a
subsequent court. After this, their names are enrolled in
the courts above. The borough of Cefn-y-llys is a lord-
ship, or manor, inherited by the crown, but alienated some
centuries ago to the ancestors of Sir Standish Hartstronge,
Bart., who died in the year of our Lord 1701, and was
buried in the Cathedral Church of Hereford. This lord-
ship and borough, togetlier with the lordship of Trewem,
which comprises the township of the parish of Llan-
fihangei-nant-Moylin, and several other considerable
estates in this county, were sold about sixty years ago by
Sir Henry Hartstronge, Bart., an Irish gentleman, to
Benjamin Wal^, Esq., whose son, or rather nephew. Sir
John Walsh, is the present proprietor. Previous to the
tame of this purchase, court-leets were holden at Noyadd,

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HISTOST OF RADNORSHIRE. 267

Cefn-y-Uys, and at Trewern ; of which courts the late
Rev. James Jones, father of the Rev. Benjamin Jones,
perpetual curate of Buallt, was steward. A court-leet is
still holden in the village of Cefn-y-Uys, at a farm-houu
called Noyadd.

The aggregate amount of the parochial rates in both
places was, for the service of the year 1803, £93 13b. 9d.,
at 38. 3d. in the pound.

It is doubtful whether the number of inhabitants is now
upon the increase ; the reverse is most probable, on account
of the obnoxious practice of consolidating farms. The
resident population, containing the borough and the out-
parish, or the upper and lower division, consisted in the
year 181 1 of 320 individuals.

In this pari^, near to the site of the old castle, is a
stone bridge over the leithon, which connects a commu-
nication with several high roads leading to and from the
towns of Radnor, Kington, Knighton, Buallt, Rhayader,
and the hamlet of Penybont.

Sir B. Walsh, Bart., is the lord of the manor of C^-
y-llys, and proprietor of the borough.

Ckaritaile Donatiotu.

Mr. Hiomas Palmer beqneatlied by will, in die ye«r 1712, a dear annual
rent-charge of £3 Sa. upon land, now vested in the minist^ and cliurch-
wardens of tliia parish, for tbe tfiLef of poor housekeepers not receiving
panxdiid asBStuice.

In the year 1713 the Bev. Hugh Powell betiueadied by will a dear onnnal
rent-charge of £2 15b., now vested in the minister and churchwardens of this
parish, for the relief of pocr hous^eepers not receiving parodiial aeostance.

EccUmuticai Account.

llie church conaiats of a porch, nave, dianoel, and a low tower. It is dedi-
cated to St. Michael. The benefice is a rectory, estimated in IM>er Regis at
£8 193. 4^. per annum. The whole tithes of the parish are annexed to the
Mictc»7, whicu rendets it a valuable living. liiB Bishc^ of St. David's ia tbe
patron.

Li»t qflncumbenU.

Matthew Herbert waa ejected by the perllaineatary eequostratan, and the tithes
woe conflacBted, IM0.

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268 HISTORY OP RADNOBSHIRB.

LIANBADARN-FAWB.

Following the sinaosities of the beautiful and mean-
dering river leithon, we enter upon the parish of Llan-
badam-fawr, bo named to distioguish it from the parish
of Llanbadam-fynydd, in the same county.

Ascending still higher up the leithon, along a circuit of
considerable compass, we arrive at the hamlet or village
of Penybont, a name synonymous to the French lete du
pont, both signifying the head of the bridge. In former
times it bore a different name, and was called Pont-rhyd-
y-cleifoD, that is, the bridge on the ford of the wounded,
implying that a battle was fought in its neighbourhood.
In its present state it can boast only of a few houses, and
those scattered. Three new ones have a few years ago
been added: that which the late John Price, Elsq., in-
habited, where he acquired by trade an immense fortune,
which qualified him to become one of the firmest and most
respectable country bankers in the Principality of Wales.
This house has lately been enlarged and beautified in a
very splendid manner by J. C. Severn, Esq., who married
the only daughter and heir of the said Mr. Price, and
served the office of high sheriff for this county. The
other house is inhabited by Middleton Jones, Esq.

Few are the vestiges of antiquity contained in this
parish. On the right hand of the road leading from Pen-
ybont to Rhayader, at a short distance from the former
place, is a druidical cam. A Roman road from the Ro-
man station Magos, or Caerfagu, upon the leithon, in the
parish of Llanfihangel Helygen, communicating with the
stations in North Wales, passes through this parish, and
crosses, first, the leithon at or near the bridge of Llan-
badam-fawr, then the turnpike-road leading to Penybont,
within half a mile of that village ; and, ascending up the
country in a line parallel to the river Clywedoc, proceeds
to Bwlch-cefn-din, near to Cwratelmau, and thence near
to Abbey Cwmhir; it then continues its course through
Bwlch-y-samau, that is, the pass or defile of the road, and
thence in a straight line to the river Severn, at a place

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIItE.

opposite to CaerswB, in tlie parish of Uandinatn, and
county of Montgomery.

There is, near the village of Penybont, a piece of crown
land, leased to the Rev. J. Parsons at the gross annual
rent of 78. 8d.

Eccletiattical Account.

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270 HISTOAV OF RADNORSHIBB.

every beast or cattle, and 3d. for every score of sheep or
goats.

The parochial rates, which are assessed and collected in
the three towDships separately and distinctly, amounted
to the sum of £166 Is. 9d., at 7s. in the pound, for the
service of the year 1803.

There do not appear at this time any vestiges of an-
tiquity, or traces of ancient rorti6cation, or tumuli, in this
parish ; although in all the neighbouring parishes such
vestiges are clearly discernible. It is probable that this
parish participated in the fate of the parish of Llanfi-
aangel-nant-Moylio, which fell under the arms of William
de Braos, Lord of Brecknock and Buallt, in the eleventh
century.

Castell Cwmaron, that is, the castle in the dingle of the
river so called, is in this parish, and about two miles dis-
tant from the village. It was erected by Roger Mortimer
and he is said to have occasionally resided in it There
are grounds for believing this fortress to have been of an
earlier date, and to have originally belonged to the reguli
of Cantref Moelynaidd . No relic of it remains at present ;
the site only is to be discerned.

There is also in this parish an estate named Swydd,
the tenure of which was in ancient times official ; that is,
this property was granted by one of the reguli of the dis-
trict, and holden by the proprietor, on the condition of
performing certain services or duties, and of executing a
delegated authority.

Ecclesiastical Account.

The antique appearance of the church of Llandegla renders the suppomtion

probable that Bome parta of its structure arc composed of the fragments of

Bome despdiated mouasterj, periiaps of Abbe; Cwndiir, and removed hitbw at

a time inunemoriaL

The church-^ard is spacious, and contains many memorials of the dead.
The following msciiption is on a tombstone that commemorated the sepulture
of Evan and Alice Wiilianu : —

" The^ were so uuivocal, that none could say,
Which did rule, and which did obey,
He ruled, because she would comply ; and she,
By so complying, ruled as well as he.
Now they sleep m hopes through Christ again to be
Uutnally united to th^ souls djemaUy."

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BISTORT OF HADNORSHIUB. 27 1

IW pebend of the church of Ll&nd^la, in the GoU^;iate Chutch of
Brecknock, is stated in Liber Regis to he worth £5 per annum. The yearly
tenths are lOa. The Bishop of St. David's is the patron.

Tie h^efice of thie church of IJandegla is a discbai^^ vicarage, estdmated
in Liber Begu at £35 3s. The clear yearly value of this benefice, ari^ng &om
augmentation, tithes, glebe, and surplice fees, is about £80.

Charitable Donatiom.

In the jw 1637 the clear annual som of £i was devised bjr Evan ib
John Morris, by deed, charged upon land, and vested in Thomas Jones, John
Meredith, anil Evan Phillips, for the benefit of decayed inhabitants of this
parish not receiving parochial relief.

In the year 172] Samuel Williams devised by will a rent-charge of £3
upon land, vested in the minister and churchwardens, for teaching and in-
Btmcting the poor childreiL of this parish to read.

In the year 1721 Mrs. Anne Griffiths bequeathed by wiU the stun of £120,
which produces an annual interest of £9, and is now vested in John Griffiths,
James Phillips, Thomas Williams, Thomas Jones, Howel Evans, and Richard
Williams, to be distributed among the decayed housekeepcTH andpoor of the

Eariahea of Llandegla, Llanfihangcl-nant-Moylin, and Colfa. This bequest
as been laid out in the purchase of land.

In the same year Mr. Evan GriffitJis beqtieatbed by deed the annnsl interest
of tite principal sum of £40, to be distributed in the same manner as th«
preceding.

In the same year Mrs. Bridget Clarke left by will a rent-char^ of Is. per
we^ secured upon land left by John Meredith, called the Went, in this
parish, and vested in Thomas Beversley. The same was given tor a short
time, bnt aiterwards retlised on account of its not having been ^ven in the
testatrix's life-time, and never rec^ved dnce the year 1733. It has been
paid for some Sundays ; but the person to whom we estate was letl refused
payment ; upon which an opinion nas taken and given against the parish.

LUt of Jncujnbentt.

Robert Blcknell, qected by tha parliaioentiry commisdonan, 194Q

Richard Protbero 1700 Jsmes Pbittips 1748

HnHMTt Probsrt HowBTth 1740

LLAN-Y-DRINDOD.

This parish, which bears the name of the Holy Trinity,
is bounded on the west by the river leithon ; on the east
by the parish of Llanbadam-fawr; oa the south by Cefn-
y-llys ; and on the north by Diserth and Bettws Diserth.
It contains by estimation nearly 3000 statute acres of
land, of which about 2000 are inclosed and cultivated,
and the remdning acres, being hilly and common, are
uoinclosed. It consists of two divisions, viz., the upper
and the lower, each of which collects and pays the land-
tax and the assessed taxes separately and ilistinctly.

This parish may with justice boast of the superior

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272 BISTORT OF RADNORBHtRE.

salubrity of its air and climature. It is the Montpelier
of Radnorshire, preserving the health of its inhabitants
to a great age, and speedily restoring invalids who resort
hither for the benefit of the waters to a gladsome state
of convalescence. Though, as might be expected in a
hilly country, the showers of rain are frequent, and
sometimes heavy, yet a moist foggy atmosphere is seldom
seen. There are also many pleasant rides about Llandrin-
dod, and some scenes in the neighbourhood by no means
destitute of beauty and sublimity. These circumstances,
with exercise, contribute, no doubt, to the preservation
and restoration of health ; and the claim of Llandrindod
is substantiated by facts. Of thirteen successive years,
two passed without a single funeral; and during the whole
of that period, the average number of annual instances of
mortality did not amount to three, out of a resident popu-
lation which, according to the return made in the year
1801, consisted of 192 individuals. In the year 1817, the
number of inhabitants was estimated at 180 persons, of
whom 87 were males, and 93 females. From the com-
mencement of the year 1800 to the close of 1816 there
had been 66 children baptized, viz., 37 males and 29
females; and during the same term of years, some of
which were remarkable for deamess and scarcity of pro-
visions, were buried 46 persons, viz., 26 mates, and 20
females. The parochial assessments collected and received
from the two divisions of this parish, for the service of
the year 1803, amounted to the sum of £157 5s. Id., at
2s. 6d. in the pound.

To the antiquary this parish is a most interesting spot,
and affords many a delicious treat. There is on the
western extremity of the common of Llandrindod, almost
contiguous to the village of Howey, an ancient encamp-
ment of an elliptical form, named Caer-du ; besides many
others interspersed, and enumerated elsewhere. A Roman
road which entered this county on the banks of the
river Wye, at Newbridge, intersects this parish. The
formation seems to have been vigorously opposed by the
Silurian inhabitants, who manfully disputed every inch

DiqiiizedbvGtxigle .

HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 273

of ground with their invaders, and compelled them to
alter the line of its direction in some places. Their com-
bined attacks issued simultaneously from certain and
distinct points, viz., Caerneddau, Cera-y-gaer, and Addfa
— all parallel to the road, and commanding a full view of
it — and harassed in no inconsiderable degree the Roman

Digiized by Google

274 HISTORY OF radnobshire;

in Wales about the middle of the sixth century, were tt
short time ^o dug up in the centre of a com-6eld in
this parish ; but no authentic or even traditionary infor-
mation could be obtained respecting it. This alleged
degeneracy from the piety of their ancestors is not sup-
ported by fact ; for, as a substitute of the dilapidated
chapel, a Presbyterian meeting-house has started up,
built by an ancestor of the late Thomas Jones, Esq., of
Pencerrig, the grandfather of the present Mrs. Thomas,
who, together with his family, constantly repaired thither
every Sunday morning for public worship, and it was
endowed by his surviving widow.

Ecdetiattical Account.

Tlie church of Llan-y-drindod cODsistB of a, single nave, and iB dedicated
to the Holy Trinity. Thia benefice is a curacy, not in charge, under the
prebend thereof, and estimated in ZiAer Begv at £6 per aunnm. It has been
augmented with two lots of Queen Anne's bounty, of £200 each, and its
total emolnments amount at present to £40 per annum.

The prebend of Llan-y-driudod, in tlie CoUt^te Church of Bi«cknock,
is stated in lAber Regis to be worth £30 per annum. It was sequestrated by
Farhament in the year 1649. The yearly tenths wen IDs. 10^ per annum,
but are now discharged. The Bishop of St David's is the patrtai.

lAat of IncumhenU.

Jeremiah Griffiths, A.B 1734 PhUfp Davlet 1709

DavIdJoasa, A.B. 1776 JohnDatlea '

CkaritabU Donatiotu.

In the year 1694 Mr. Philip Lewia devised by inll a rent-chai^ of lOs.
secured on land, and vested in the churchwardens, to be distributed among
the poor inliabitants of this pari^ not rccdving parochial relie£

John Bevan Mereihth, dat« unknown, and uncertain whether by will or
deed, bequeathed a rent-charge of 10s. secured on iaoA, and vested in the
churchwaj^ens, for the benefit of the poor of this pariah not recaving paro-
dual relief.

Evan Jones, date unknown, and nncertain whether by will or deed, devised
a rent-chai^ of 8a. secured on land, and vested in the churchwardens, to be
annually distributed among poor perscHis of this parish not receivlDg parochial

John Jones, dat« unknown, and nncertain whether by vrill or deed, be-
queathed the annual interest of £10, ve8t«d in the churchwardens, for the use
and benefit of the poor inhabitante of this parish not receiving parochial
rdief

LLANQUKLLO,

This parish derives its name from the saint to whom
its church is dedicated. It contains about 6000 acres of

Digilzed by Google

HISTORY OP RADVORSHIRE. 275

land, 1000 of which may be Baid to be unioclosed and
waste; and consists of two divisioos, the upper and the
lower, bounded by the two rivulets that dischai^ them-
selves into the river Lug, near the church. It extends
about five miles in length and four in breadth.

There is a peculiarity observed in this parish in the
mode of paying its land-tax and county rates. One third
part of the upper division pays these assessments to the
collectors of the parish of Heyope, which is not included
in the same hundred as Llangunllo ; and another third
part of the same division pays the same taxes to the col-
lectors of the parish of Lianbister, which is comprehended
in the hundred of Knighton. This singularity can only
be accounted for on the supposition that these parcels of
the parish of Llangunllo belonged formerly to persons of
power and influence in the several parishes of Lianbister
and Heyope, who annexed these payments to the places
of their principal and respective residences.

The vale of the Lug does not seem to have been so
firmly and obstinately contested as the vale of the Tame ;
there remain therefore fewer vestiges of antiquity, and
traces of fortification. Several circular tumuli of con-
siderable magnitude, containing about an acre of land
each, are, however, to be discerned, as in several -different
places, so especially on the hill between the Bailey House
and the Great Gate, and one distinguished by the name
of Camp. In what era this camp was first formed no
documents specify. As this part of Radnorshire was
greatly infested by the Norman adventurers of Salop and
Cheshire, it may have been made use of for the purpose
of defending the country from their predatory incursions.
There is also a remarkable ridge of earth artificially thrown
up, named the Short Ditch, being a straight line exten-
ding between 200 or 300 yards in length from north to
south on the Beacon Hill, partly in this parish, and partly
in that of Bugaildu. The manliest designation of this
fortified redoubt was to obstruct the march of the enemy
invading this district from the north, and its formation
effected by Sir Edward Mortimer's men, in the year

D,=;,lz...,C00g[e

276 BISTORT OF RADHORSHIRE.

1402, for the purpose of oppoBing the process of Owen
Glyndwrdwy before the battle of Pilletn, if not supposed
prior to that event. Another corroborative proof of the
existence of a fortified camp, or castle, upon the Bailey
Hill, is furnished by the name by which that eminence is
designated.

In the year 1804 a considerable quantity of gold coins
was found by Mr. West, in the farm-fold of Noyadd-fach,
in this parish, covered lightly by the eartli. These coins
were of the reign of Edward III., and struck in com-
memoration of a naval victory obtained over the French
fleet, denoted by the figure of a man standing in a ship
impressed on the reverse of the coin. A few of them
were of the reign of Henry IV. There can be little doubt
that these coins were secreted in consequence of the great
alarm occasioned by the impetuous and desolating in-
cursion made by Owen Glyndwrdwy in the year 1402.
The concealment of the coins was done in a hurry, as
appears from the circumstance of their being slightly
covered over with earth ; and was never disclosed, because
probably the owners met their deaths, either in the skir-
mishes that preceded the great battle of Pilleth, or in the
field of battle itself. However, the discovery serves to
confirm Jthe reality of Owen's successful invasion.

Many silver corns also of the reigns of Elizabeth, James
L, and Charles I., were discovered in a piece of ground
belonging to a farm called Malagoed, near Creignant, in
the year 1814. This field is denominated the Camp.

This parish has long been entirely Anglicised. The
language universally spoken here is English. The oldest
inhabitant has no recollection of the time when the Welsh
language was in use; and yet the farm-houses, and the
estates, are all distinguished by Welsh names.

There seems something peculiar in the elocutionary
organs of the inhabitants of this parish. Though com-
pletely Anglicised, yet they are able to pronounce Welsh
guttrals, not knowing them to be Welsh, with facility and
distinctness ; whilst, on the other hand, their enunciation
of English words partakes of the Welsh peculiarity com*

Diqiizedbv Google

BISTORT OP RADNORSHIRE. 377

bioed with English vulgarity. For instance the word
upper is pronounced uvvr ; fodder, /other ; tittle sounds
like leedle ; and good as coot. Again, some words are
pronounced in such a manner as renders it difficult to
distinguish whether they be of Welsh or English ex-
traction, as Ch%byn Llhwyde they call Griffin Flyde.

Some years ago the parish of Llangunllo was noted as
well for the number as for the respectability of its landed
proprietors, who resided on their respective freeholds, and
exercised the duties of hospitality. The pressure of ex-
cesssive taxation occasioned by the American and French
revolutions has destroyed this link of the social chain, and
swept away from this parish this once respectable and use-
ful order of people. Their dwelling-houses, also, which
were always open to the stranger and the poor, are fallen
into a dilapidated state, and scarcely competent to shelter
the depressed tenant from the inclemency of the weather.
Even Weston Hall, which was once the residence of a
Welsh chieftain, from whom was descended Sir William
Meredith, a patriotic and an eloquent member of the
House of Commons, is now reduced into so ruinated a
condition as to be 6t only for the occupation of a pauper,
though it has become the joint property of Richard Price,
Esq., of Knighton, M.P., and of Mrs. Pritchard, widow,
of l)ol-y-felin. The site of this mansion stilt retains some
vestiges of its ancient grandeur, and presents many traits
of delightful scenery. Of late years, however, some of
these habitations have undergone a tenantable repair, or
rebuilt upon an inferior scale. Bailey House, indeed,
emulates the characteristic feature of better times; situ-
ated on the brow of a hill, and surrounded with numerous
and fine plantations of trees, this mansion commands a
most beautiful and extensive prospect of the vale of the
Lug, and presents to the eye of the traveller, wearied with
the melancholy view of desolated dwellings, an object
singularly refreshing and animating.

fn this parish is an antique farm-bouse, called Mynach
Ty, or Monk-house. This was certainly an habitation of
that description. Several years ago some stone coffins

Digilzed by Google

278 HISTORY OF badnorshire;

were dug up in the grouud adjoining. The present struc-
ture is chiefly composed of timber and lath, the interstices
filled up with mortar, and therefore not of so remote a
date as monastic edifices in general. Thither at the disso-
lution, in the time of Henry VIII., the ejected monks of
Abbey Cwmhir transferred their establishment, and in
this seat of seclusion from the world maintained privately
their former religion and habits, in opposition to the
recent innovations of Cranmer, See.

Ecclesiasticai Account.

The cburch of TJangimllo contdsts of a nare, a chancel, a cross aisle or tran-
sept, a, tower containing three lai^ bells together with a smaller one, and a
piurch. It is dedicated to Cpillo, a Welsh saint who lived in the fifth century.

This benefice is a discharged vicarage, estimated in Liber Regis at the annual
sum of £5 Os. 0}d., and stated in the marmn of the said book U> be worth the
clear jearly sum of £26. An allotment of £200 has been given by the gover-
nors of Qiieen Anne's bounty.

The prebend of Llangunllo, in the Colle^te Chitrch of Brecknock, is stated
in Liber Bepis to be wwth the annual sum of i£13. Three-fourths of all the
tithes of this parish are annexed to the prebend, and leased to Richard Price,
Esq., M.P., of Knighton.

In ancient records Llangunllo is dea^iated thus, " Llangunllo cum capellis
suis," that is, Llangunllo together with its chapels. In corroboration of this
statement the parish church of Pilleth St. Maiy is understood by the inhabi-
tants of the former place to have been a chapel under Langunllo, as three-fburths
of the tithes of Pilleth, in like manner as a similar portion of the tdthes of
Llangunllo, belong to the prebend thereof. Llanbisler also is conjectured bj
some to have been another of theee chapels, a supposition founded only on the
circumstance of a water-spout denominated Pistyll Cynllo, that is, the water-
spout of Cynllo, the saint to whom this church is dedicated, b^g in a mtua-
tion contiguous to the church of Llanbister. Others entertain the wild opinion
that by " the chapels of Llangunllo " are designated some of the perpetual
curadea situated on the banks of the river leithon, and comprehended within
the deaneiy of Moelyuaidd. These unfounded conjectures are further contra-
dicted by the circumstance that no portion whatever of the tithes of these
parishes IS annexed to the prebendary of Llangunllo,

Charitable Donations.

In the year 1752 Andrew Clarke, Esq., b^neathed a rent-charge of £2,
secured on land, and now vested in Mr. John Lewis, to be distribute among
the poor of this pariah not receiving parochial relie£

In the year 1764 Thomas Meyrick, Esq., bequeathed a rent-chaige of £1 Is.,
secured on land, and vested in Mrs. Anne Meyrick, for the use and benefit of
the poor of this parish not receiving parochial reliaf.

In the year 1769 Thomas Holland, Esq., bequeathed, for the purpose of
teaching six poor children of this parish, the annu^ sum of £2 5s., secuKid
upon land, and vested in the vicar and churchwardens of this parish.

In the year 1 763 Mrs. Anne Chunberlayne, wife of Mr. WilUam Chamber-
layne, Gent., of Cefii-suram, and daughter of the Rev. James Footman, who
was vicar of this parish fifty-one years, gave to the use of the c

Diqiized by Google

HISTORY OF RADNORSaXRE. 279

whet salTer, besring kd inscription which records the pit and the name of the

The late Mrs. Blashiield, of TrebTirfa, in this parish, whose tomb-stone is at
the east end of the chancel in the church-yard, with a coat of armB inserted
in the gable end of the wall, and inscribed with these words, " In Deo onmea
confidemns," let us all trust in God, has bequeathed the sum of £30, of which
the annual interest is to be distributed by the viciir and churchwardens to such

Digilzed by Google

2S0 BISTORT OP RADlfORSHtRB.

to be seen any vestiges of ancient fortifications or castles.
There is, however, in this pariah a certain eminence which
deserves to be recorded, on account of its designation in
ancient times. It is corruptly named Llys-sin ; the true
orthography is Llys-ty, or Llys-din. No existing record
makes mention of it; and therefore the only means 1ef%
of investigating its original use and designation are to be
derived from etymology. Now, the word Llys, in the
Welsh language, signifies a palace, or court of judicature ;
and Ty, or Din, means a house, or place of abode. The
name Llys-ty, or Llys-din, signifies the house, or fortified
place, where the court of judicature, or palace, for these
two were constantly identified, was wont to be holden.
Llys-din is exactly synonymous with the Saxon appella-
tion Luaton. Now, the name Luston among the Sasons
signified the very designation here ascribed to Llys-din,
viz., the palace of the lord of the manor, or his court of
judicature, which was always holden in the open air.

The Welsh are described by tourists as paying respect-
ful homage to springs and fountains, every one of which
is elevated to distinguished notoriety by being dedicated
to some favourite saint. This characteristic feature of
the natives of Wales is preserved in this parish with con-
siderable zeal. At a certain season of the year, which is
here called the Wake, young people of both sexes meet
at these wells, quaff the limpid water sweetened with
sugar, and conclude the day with the dance, and other
innocent amusements.

Ecclesiattical AccoutU.

TluB cburcb, or rather chapel, is dedicated, aa the name imports, to St.
ACchael; and tlie additional append^e serves to distinguish it from the other
churches or chapels in this count]: that are dedicated to the same saint. It -
con^sta of a nave, chancel, and porch.

This benefice is a peipetual curacy, not in charge, annexed to the vicaiage
of Llanbister, and stated in Liber Hegia to be of the certified value of £14j>er

But at present the total emoluments arising from angmoitatioD,

■ ■" ' ' e annual Bum of £36, The pre-

fixed sdpend, and surplice fees, exceed tl
bendaiy of Uanbister is tlie patron.

Charitable Donatiotu.
In the 7«ar 1660 Dr. Berglios left hy deed a bene&ctdon of IDs., now

Digilzed by Google

HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE. 281

vested in the miiuster and Mr. Jabn Moore, to be disCribnted annnallj among
the poor of this parish not chai^eable to it.

In the year 1 660 John ab Edward bequeathed bj; will a beoetactioD of
lOg., now Tested in some person unknown, to be distributed annually among
the poor of thi^ parish not rieceiTiug parochial relief. No further information
can be given.

Di.itradb, Google

082 BISTORT OP BADNORBBIRB.

enced in the preceding century, although a cannon ball
was found at no great distance from the scene of action.
Batteries of artillery might have been advantageously
erected on the respective wings of these breastworks, to
f»«vent the line being turned. That Owen was not fur-
nished with these implements of destruction his sudden
raising of the siege of Moatgomery Castle, and leaving
an armed force in his rear, is a convincing proof The
event of the conflict remained not long doubtful ; the
attack made by the Welsh was furious and irresistible ;
each Merionethshire arrow told, and the close combat
that ensued rendered the heavy bills of Herefordshire in
a great measure unwieldy aod useless. There fell on the
side of the English upwards of 1100 men slain, besides
a number of prisoners, among whom was the com-
mander-in-chief. Sir Edward Mortimer. This decisive
victory, now distinguished by the name of the victory of
Pilletn, opened to Glyndwrdwy a ready access into the
heart of the counties of Hereford and Worcester.

On the northern border of this parish, on the bank of
the river Lug, are to be seen two tumuli, now overspread
with trees. They are situated on an elevated common,
not immediately in this parish, but on its borders, in the
parish of Blaiddfa, corruptly named, as before observed,
Hendre-garreg. On this place are several detached tene-
ments ; and an erroneous tradition prevails that there
once existed here a town, which resiB on no better foun-
dation than that the inhabitants, perhaps on account of
their poverty, enjoy a partial exemption from the payment
of chief rent.

Contiguous to the river Lug there also is the site of an
ancient castle, surrounded by a rampart and foas, named
Castell Ffaled. It is conjectured that Castell Ffaled is
erroneously written, and that its true orthography is
Castell Cynffaled, that is, the castellated mansion of
Cynffaled, a Welsh saint. The castle is an intrenched
tumulus situated in a small wood near the side of the
road leading from Monadtu Blaiddfi to Pilleth. It seems
to have originally consisted of a timber structure erected

Digilzed by Google

HISTORV OP RADNORSHIRE. 383

Upon the summit of the tumulus, which is large, and sur-
rounded by a double vallum. As there is a small brook
running through the valley near the wood, water may
probably have been conducted into the trenches, which
must have added to the strength of the fortress, and em-

Digilzed by Google

284 HISTOKT OF RADNORSHIBE.

this paruh ; one of whioh commemOTAtea tbe death of Jane Esdter MorgciL
dsD^ter of James Price, Em., of Pilleth, and wife of the Right Worahipfiil
Sir John Morgan, Bart., of Kiiinersley, Herefordshire. The other is a stone
monumeDt, BCidptured with two el^aut human g^uree, containing the following
inscription: — "To ike pious memory of John Pryse, Esq', or Pilleth, & of
Catherine his wife, daughter of Roger Taoghan, Esq', of Clitherow, in the
coonty of Radnor. He died in )597, & she at 1589.'' A sword and a pair
of spurs are snspended on this monument, which are said to have belonged tr

the said John Price, Esq., who serred as a gallant officer in the wars of Queen
Elizabeth. Fame, which propagates falsehoods as well as truths, reports that
the original spurs, which were of gold, one day disappeared, and a pair
composed of a oaser metal was mibstitut«d in their stead. In the church-yard,
on tlie north side of the church, is a steened and arched well, the water of
which was fonnerly con^dered beneficial in ophthalmia, and other HJeeaaea of
the eyes.

Tbee-fourths of the tithes of this parish are annexed to the prebend of
Llangunllo, in the Collegiate Church of Brecknock ; and the other fourth p^
belongs to Richard Price, Esq., of Knighton, M.P., the other impropriator.

This benefice is a perpetual curacy, not in charge, annexed to the licaiage
of Llangunllo, and stateil in Liber Regis to be of the certified yearly value of
£i 12s. 6d.

Charitable Donation.
In the year 1703 Lady Anne Child by will left certain parcels of land, of
which the clear unniial value is reported to be £53, lOs., but supposed to be
much higher, vested in the Bishop of St David's, Chanter of St. David's,
vicar or curate of PJUeth, and rector of Whitton, for the purpose of teaching
the children of the several parishes of FDleth and Whitton to read and to
write, and to place out one child apprmtice yearly from each parish. This
sdiool, of whicn the Ber. G. A. Baiiei', rectw ol Whitton, is master, is holden
at Whitton, the adjoining parish, and is united with the free school thereof-

Litt of Incwttbentt.

RobertL«wls 1144 Henry Bevan 1188

JamMHersdith 1704 Horgan Evans 1807

WHITTON.

This name seems to be altogether Saxon, and to signify
the white town, or township. It contains by estimation
1200 acres of inclosed land. Its resident population,
according to the return made in the year 1801, consisted
of 109 individuals.

HUNDRED OF COLWTN.

About the same time that Paganus de Cadurcis, or
Payne of Cahours, that is, in the reign of William Rufiis,
wrested the hundred of Pain's Castle from the native in-
habitants, Ralph de Todeni, who bore the standard of the

Digilzed by Google

HISTOKY OP HADKOHSHIRE. 286

conqueror of England in the decisive battle of Hastings,
and who was governor of Clifford Castle, and Radulphas
de Baskerville, governor of Eardisley Castle, invaded the
territory now comprehended by the hundred of Colwyn,
and secured their acquisitions by bridling the country
with the castles and garrisons of Colwyn and Aberedw.
These acquisitions were facilitated by the unhappy cir-
cumstances in which the Principality of South Wales
happened at that time to be involved ; for after the death
of its prince, Rhys ab Tewdwr, who was slain in battle
by Robert de Fitzhamon, the whole country, destitute of
a legitimate ruler and confidential defender, fell a prey
to intestine commotions on the one hand, and to hostile
invasions on the other. After the lapse of some centuries,
this territory passed from the family of De Todeni to that
of De Braos, Lords of Brecknock and Buatlt, and was
granted by Edward I. to Roger Mortimer, Earl of Marche
and Wigmore, who thereby united the two ancient lord-
ships of Moelynaidd and Elfael. The last surviving heiress
of the family of Baskerville, of Aberedw Court, conveyed
that estate by marriage to the Rev. John Powell, late of
Clyro Court.

The hundred of Colwyn contains ten parishes, viz.,
Aberedw, Bettws Diserth, ClS^cwm, Cregrina, Diserth,
]jlanbadam-y-garreg, Llanelwedd, Llanfaredd, Llaasant-
fraid, and Rhiwlen, which shall be described in the order
in which they are here enumerated ; and also four lord-
ships, viz., Upper Elfael, Graig, Aberedw, and Porth-
Cadwgan.

This parish presents to the antiquary many interesting
vestiges of former times. On a bill contiguous to the
estate of Ty-yn-y-Blaenau, or LIwyn-y-Moylin, are con-
structed three large tumuli, or harrows, placed not in a
straight line, but forming three points of a triangle, the
sides of which extend about 300 yards equally. Each of
them is surrounded with a deep foss and high vallum,
which appendages, together with their number, afford an

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286 HUTORT OP BADNORSHIRX.

irr^ragible argument that their original formation was
done with a military designation, and not to serve merely
as watch towers, though their elevated situation, and the
extensive prospect wliich they command on all sides, are
&vourable to that purpose. They must have been a con-
spicious and picturesque object to the garrison of the
castle of Coiwyo.

On the bank of the river Edw, and at a small distance
from the parish church, stand the ruins of a small castle,
erected, as it is supposed, by Radulphus de BaskerviUe,
Lord of Yerdisley ; of which, however, his descendants
were deprived by Hhys ab Tewdwr, and by Llewelyn ab
GruSudd, the latter of whom occasionally made this castle
bis residence. At a short distance from these ruins, and
doee to the line of the Edw, is a circular mound, or
tumulus, supposed by many to have been an appendage
of the castle, but which, in the opinion of the author of
this work, constituted the residential palace of the Britisli
reguli of this district long pnor to tlie Norman invasion.
There is also, at the distance of a quarter of a mile from
the caetle, a remarkable cavern, or grotto, cut out of the
solid rock, and containing internally a square apartment,
measuring six feet every way. The entrance into it is
exceedingly narrow, for the purpose of more effectual
concealment. Arti6cial excavations of this description
are frequently to be met with in several parts of Wales,
and undoubtedly were used as places of refuge and secure
retreat in periods of trouble and daugei'. Perhaps, also,
the disciples of druidism resorted thitner, in order to con-
template with greater freedom and abstraction, and to
treasure up in their memories the mysterious arcana of
their order. Tradition reports that, in thi^ cave, Llewelyn,
the last Prince of Wales secreted himself from the pursuit
of his enemies, and waited with anxious impatience for
the arrival of the expected succours from South Wales,
Here he was betrayed by the blacksmith, who recognized
the horse he was employed to shoe, and who, in addition
to his own indelible infamy, had like to have stained the
honour of this county with the ignominious assassination

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BISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE. 287

of its prince. But that fate was reserved for Brecknock-
shire, as already related.

Tlie parish of Aberedw comprises two lordships, viz.,
the lordship of Aberedw, and the lordship of Forth Cadw-
gan. By a fatal but common vicissitude and revolution
in human affairs, that which anciently was the least of
these two lordships, or rather no lordship at all before the

w Google

288 HISTORY OP RADNORSHIRE.

and 8on of Mr. Hugh Powell, of Peo-v-lan, near Gwithel,
ID the lower township of the parish of LIan6hangel-nant
Moylin, The only issue of this marriage was a daughter,
who was married to Peter Ricketts, or Minors, Esq., of
Evenjobb, in the parish of Old Radnor. Their eldest son,
■viz., Peter Ricketts, or Minora, Esq., is the present pro-
prietor of Aberedw Court. The second son has lately
assumed the name of Baskerville, at the request of a
distant relative, who has left bim a large fortune. 2.
Swyn-y-Moyien, in the vale of Blaei^-y-Moylen, the
residence of Thomas Pugh, Esq., in whose family this

estate has remained more than four centuries. 3. ,

the property of the Rev. Thomas Jones, who resides in
the county of Bucks.

Near the ruins of the old castle stands a corn mill
driven by the stream of the Edw, the property of the
crown of England, leased by Marmaduke Gwynne, Esq.,
or his representatives, at the gross annual rent of 139. 4d.
In the year 1784 there were sixteen years in arrears.
Opposite to this mill, and on the other side of the Edw,
are the most magnificent rocks, perhaps, in the kingdom.
They stand nearly in a perpendicular direction, and are
elevated 500 feet above the bed of the river. They
extend along the bank of the river, in diversified forms,
at least a mile in length, majestically towering one above
another, and resembling on a moonlight night the frag-
mented turrets and broken columns of a magnificent and
tremendous castle.

EccUsiaHical Account.

The church cooButa of a porcb, n&ve, chancel, and tower. It b dedicated
to St, Gewydd.

Thu beoefice is a rectoi^, in the deaneiy of Elfael lamTHydd, and diocese
of St. David's, remaining in charge, and estimated in iiSer Beak tobe worth
£ii 13s. 4A per annum. The yearly tenths are XI 5s. *d. The Bishop of
St David's is the patron. AU the tithes of the parish are impropriated, and
amount in value to X200 per annum.

Charitable Oonatumt.

At a time nnknown Lewis Lloyd, Esq., bequeathed by will ibr the use and

benefit of decayed honseheepers of this parish not recdving parochial relief^ a

parcel of land, now rested m Mr. John Gwyiute, roodocing die annnal rMt of

£iOs. 6d.

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HISTORr OP HADKORSBIRB. 289

IntlieTear 1746 Mrs. Elizabeib Price bequeathed by will the annual interest
of £211, for the use and benefit of decayed housekeepers of tins parish, not re-
caving parochial relief! The prindpal is Tested in James Fugh and James
Baskorville, Esqrs.

Lut qflncumbenti.

ThoiDis WilMninB 1716 John Williams 1770

Joseph William I74S

In they«ar 1649, the Rev. Henry Hellan, rector of this pariah, vas ejected by the
p&rllameatBry commiasloners, and hjs beaeflca leqawtrated.

BETTWS DISBRTH.

This parish contains about 2000 acres of land, of which
about 1200 are inclosed and cultivated ; the remainder
consists of wastes. Its resident population, according to
the return made in the year 1801, consisted of 103 indi-
viduals. The parochial assessments for the service of the
year 1803 amounted to the sum of £75 14s., levied at 6s.
in the pound.

Ecclmattical Account.

V humble structure, and ^tuated in a.

Bdn, and dedicated to St. Maiy. It

This benefice ig a perpetual curacy, annexed to the rectory of Diserth, and
is of the certified yearly value of £16; but the total cmclumentB at present
amount to the sum of £75 per annum.

Charitable Donations.

In a year unknown a rent-charge of £1 per annum, now vested in the Rev.
Mr. Jones, was devised by a person whose name is unknown, and whether by
will or deed alike unknown, for the benefit of the poor inhabitaDte of this
parish not receiving parochial relief.

In the year 1 746 Mrs. Elizabeth Jones bequeathed by will, for the use and
benefit oi^ the poor of this parish not receiving parochiu rehef, the principal
sum of £40, the yearly interest arising from whit^ was paid a few times by the
executor, but afterwards stepped.

The Rev. Eees Powell, in a year unknown, left by deed the annual rent of
lands, sum not ascertained, vested in the Biahop of Hereford, Sir Edward
Williams, Bart., Philip Williams, J, Bullock Lloyd, James Hughes, Walter
Jeflerys, Ewjrs., Eev. John Williams, and Walter Wilkins, Esq., M.P., for the
purpose of apprenticing poor children, not only of this parish in particular, but
of ten others, and for other purposes.

CLASCWH.

This name has been erroneously interpreted to signify

the green dingle. If the name expressed that meaning,

it would have been written Cwmglas, the adjective in the

Welsh language being generally postponed to the sub-

2p

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290 HIBTORT OP RADHORSHIRE.

stantive. ClSs is the name of a river that intersects this
parish, and therefore Clascwtn signifies the vale or dingle
of the Clas.

This parish coDtains 4500 acres of land, of which about
3000 are inclosed and cultivated, the remaining 1500
being unincloaed and uncultivated wastes, and consists of
two townships, viz., Drewern, or the orl township, and
Faenor-glas, or the summit impending over the rivulet
Olas. The money raised by the parish rates for the ser-
vice of the year 1803 amounted to the following sums in
each township, viz., in Drewern, the sum of£l62 10s. lOd.,
at 7s. 2d. in the pound ; in Faenor-glas, the sum of
£150 3s. lOd., at 6s. 8d. in the pound, making an aggre-
gate of £312 13s. 8d. Faenor-glas is a lordship belonging
to the Bishop of St. David's, now holden by Perceval
Lewis, Esq., of Downton, in the parish of Radnor.

The celebrated wells of Blaen-Edw are situated in this
parish.

There lies in this parish a piece of crown-land, named
Allivies, lately tenanted by Richard Austin, Esq., at the
gross annual rent of 3s. 8d.

This parish, together with the adjoining territory, was
in ancient times the scene of much military action, and
consequently abounds in barrows and camps. About a
quarter of a mile to the north-east of the village of Clas-
cwm stand the remains of a very strong camp on a farm
named Wem, on a commanding eminence, judiciously
selected to overlook the defiles leading to the village, as
well as to check the approach of an enemy advancing
through the narrow vale of the before-meutioned river
CI^, which discharges itself into the river Arrow, in the
neighbounng parish of Colfa. This intrencbment, which
was double, embraced about three-fourths of the circum-
ference of the summit on which it is constructed, being
open partly to the south and south-west, the natural
difficulties of those points superseding the necessity of
fortifying them ; and probably the approach of an enemy
from that quarter was unexpected. This circumstance
indicates this encampment to have been Silurian, and con-

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 291

structed in oppoaitioD to the RomaQS, advancing into this
district along^ the Roman road which communicates with
Gwilfach-ar-heol, on the river Arrow, in the parish of
Newchurch. This encampment was distinguished by the
name of Clas-gwyr ; and the dingle leading to it is now
called Cwm-Jwrch, or Jowarch. No appearance of build-
ings at present exists. At a short distance from hence,
viz., about one mile and a half towards the west, is a.
small tumulus, or harrow, of great antiquity, supposed to
have been used as a beacon. Upon a farm named Bryn-
llwyd are several tumuli, or barrows, of which one is
conspicuously distinguished from the others by its superior
elevation and magnitude, and by being surrounded by a
deep trench and high vallum. Partly on the east side of
this tumulus, and adjoining to the vallum thereof, is an
ancient camp inclosed with embankments, and containing
about two acres of land. Contiguous to this is a small
portion of land, elevated above the adjoining land, where
appear some traces of building. This camp is supposed
to be of Roman coDstruction, and the elevated piece of
ground the prtetorium. About twenty years ago a far-
mer, by clearing some brush-wood that grew near the
above-mentioned tumulus, found several pieces of silver,
and coins of various forms and sizes, of which some were
circular, others square; none, however, were preserved.
And in the year 1806 another quantity of silver coins, of
the reign of King William, was discovered by a shepherd's
boy in a mole-hill on the hills.

At a short distance from the before-mentioned tumulus
is a large stone, placed erect, seven feet broad, two feet
thick. About two or three yards from this stone is another
of nearly equal dimensions, lying flat upon the ground,
and has been apparently undermined, from motives of

avarice or curiosity. On a farm named Llwyn-y ,

in this parish, an inferior castle has been erected ; the
foundations of the walls now remain. It is named Bryn-
llys Castle, and the fields adjoining are distinguished by
the appellation of the castle meadow, the castle field, &;c.
About seventeen years ago the Rev. Benjamin Jones sold

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293 HISTORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

this estate to Edward Rog;ers, Esq., of Stanage, in this
county, the present proprietor. This was a point ex-
tremely well chosen to guard the narrow defile leading
from the village of Cl&scwm to the river Edw, as well
as to transmit intelligence to the other fortified points of
this interesting district, of which the most remarkahle is
Colwyn Castle, described in Llansantfraid parish.

Ou a farm named Graig-fawr, and on a commanding
eminence also called Graig, in this parish, has been a very
important fortification, partaking in some degree of the
nature of an inferior castle. Under the summit of this
military station, on a farm named Caermyrddu, contiguous
to the buildings, is a very ancient cromlech, covered with
huge coarse stones. This estate is now the property of
T. F. Lewis, Esq., of Harpton, M.P. About a quarter
of a mile on the opposite side of the river Edw, in a piece
of land named Rhos-y-merch, is a small portion of ground
encircled with lai^e coarse stones placed erect in the earth.
This had been a cam, constructed for druidical or bardic
purposes.

Bryn-ltbwyd, an estate in this parish, is the property

of Price, Esq., who resides in the county of Berks,

and served the office of high sherifi' for the county of
Radnor. This estate is said to have remained in this
family more than 1000 years, and will, after the decease
of the present owner, devolve upon his sister's heirs, viz.,
Peter Edwards, of the parish of Cascob, in this county, a
gentleman of the persuasion of Friends, or Quakers, who
married the daughter of Mr. Price's sister, manages the
estate, and has issue two sons.

Eceletiastical Account.

The churcli of Glaacinn cooBtsts of a nave and chancel, B^Mirated hj a
timber frame.

This bounce is a diachsi^ed vicarage, having tbe chapdries of Colfa and
Khiwlen annexed, an&'a-vaXaeA'iaLOter Rega at the yearly sum of £13 68. 8d.
The yearly tenths are £1 6b. 8d. The total emoluments of the vicar amount
at present to the yearly sun of £62 2s. 5d. He has also a vicarage house
and glebe land.

Charitable Donatiotu.
In llie yeai 1620 John Evans, Esq., left by irill, for the benefit of the poor

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HISTORY OF RADNOBSHIRE. 393

of tilis pariah not recdring paroclual rdief, a ram of mon^ ; and in the
year 1717 Darid Davies, Esq., left abo a sum of money, by will, for the
same charitable purpose ; which two Eums added together make a principal of
£100, the annual mtereat of which, viz., £5, is ordered to be distribnted
Among poor perBons not cliareeable to the pariah.

AboQt thirty yeara ago lb. John Davies gave to the poor of tfaia pariah
tt rent-charge of £4, aectoed on an estate named Cwm-aycn. The same was
never paid.

Another estate, named Cwm-mawr, in thia pariah, is charged with lOs.
annually, to be piud to the poor of this parish. This estate is the proper^
of Mr. Thomas Lewis, of the Tatt, who has paid it some ye«ra ago. He li
also the person in whom the principal sum of £100 above-mentioned is
vested. It is reported that each of these wills is lodged in the Registrar's
office in Brecknock.

XAtt of Incunibents.

Athelstane Wmiama 1733 Jenkin Jenklaa 1787

Waller Metric 174! John Jonea 1788

CbamtMie SbvUs, A.B 1744

CRUGIWA.

It contains by estimation 1000 acres of land, of which
two-tbirds are inclosed and cultivated ; the remainder
consists of hills.

According to the return made in the year 1801, its
resident population consisted of 133 individuals. The
money raised by the parochial rates for the service of the
year 1803 amounted to the sum of £67 Is. 7d., assessed
at 4s. 6d. in the pound.

EccUtiastical Account.
The church conaiBta of a porch, nave, chancel, and low tower. It ia
dedicated to St David. The benefice is a diachM'ged rectory, having the
chapelry of Llaubadam-y-garree annexed, and is eatmiated in Liber if"-* *'■
be yearly worth £35. The yearly tenths are 188. 8d. The total ei '
of thia rectoij amount at present to the annual sum of £80 14a.

Charitable Donations,

In a year unknown, the Bev. Beea Powell devised a sum of money not

ipecified, secured upon land, and vested in trustees, viz., Biehop of Hetefbrd

for the lime being. Sir Edward Williams, Bart., John Monran, Charles Powell,

specified, secured upon land, and vested in truatees, viz., Bishop of Hetefbrd
for the lime being. Sir Edward Williams, Bart., John Monran, Charles Powell,
Philip Williams, J. Bullock Lloyd, Walter Wilkina, M.P., James Huthes,

Walter Jefferya, Esqrs., and John WiUiams, for apprenticing poor children,
not only of this pariah, but of ten others in thia county, and for other chari-
table purposes. Some of the lands so devised are situated in this parish.

In a year unknown the Rev. Thomas WiUiams bequeathed by will the
annual sum of 10a., vested in Mr. Evan Evans, for the use and benefit of
decayed housekeepers of this parish.

List of Incu^entt.
In the year 1649 the Bev. Kowland Vaughan, rector of Cnifpna-morion,

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294 HIBtORT OF RADNORSHIRE.

was ejected bj tike parliaTaentary comnuBsionen, and bia benefice aeqiiestTftUcl.
This pioiu and leu^ied divine translated the PraeHee of Piety, Archbiahiq)
Ussher's Caiechwn, and other religious books, into the Wdab language, for the
GhrJBtian edification of his parishioners and count^^nen. The publication
of these excellent treatiees excited the hatred, and inflamed the persecution,
of the fimaUcs and enthuEdasta of those times.

This name seems to be compounded of Du and Serth.
It extends in lengtli about four miles, and nearly three
in breadth. It is divided into two townships, viz., Du-
serth and Tre 'r Coed, the latter being a woody township,
as its name implies. It contains about 4000 acres of land,
of which nearly 3000 are inclosed and cultivated ; the
remainder are commons and hills, uninclosed and un-
cultivated.

According to the return made in the year 1801, the
population of this parish consisted of 517 individuals.
The parochial assessments are collected and paid sepa-
rately, each township having distinct officers. The money
raised in each for the service of the year 1803 was as
follows:— For the township of Diserth, £117 12s. 6Jd.,
assessed at 8s. 3d. in the pound; for Tre 'r Coed,
£131 14s. Id., at 7s. 8d. in the pound; amounting in
the whole to the sum of £249 6s. 6^d.

Relics of antiquity are extremely rare. Neither a
tommen, nor a cairn, nor a cromlech, nor a castle, have
been discovered. There is, however, a farm-house named
Yr-heol, that is, the street, or causeway, through the fold
of which the Roman road passed, and of which the course
may be traced from the river Wye to the Roman station
Magos, or Caerfagu, on the river leithon, in the parish of
Llanfihangel Helygeu. In this parish is situated the
village of Howey, so named from the brook which flows
through it, on the banks of which its few houses are
erected ; or, perhaps, it derives this appellation from a
chieftain and governor of Fferllys in the year 640 of the
name of Hoyw. He was the son of Gloyw, the son of
Caw, the son of Cawrda. He was a personage of great
celebrity, and is described in the Triads as " one of the
seven blessed first cousins of Britain." If Howey was

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HISTORr OP RADNORSHIRE. 295

ever digfnified by the royal residence of either of these
chieftains its present state is a melancholy picture of
fallen greatness. And the privilege which it possesses of
holding three fairs annually, viz., on Saturday before the
11th of February, on Saturday before the 11th of May,
and on Saturday before the 11th of September, for the

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296 HISTOBT OF RADNORSHIRE.

year 1803 amouDted to the sum of £12 48. 6d., upon an
assessment of 7s. 6d. in the pound.

Mecleiiagtical Account,
This benefice is a chapeliy, or perpetual cotbcj, not in charge, annexed to
the rectory o( Cnigrina, stated in Xtfrer He^ to be of the cemfied value of
£12 6a. 8d. per amium. The chapel is dedicated to St. Padam.

Charitable Donations.

Lewis Lloyd, Esq., devised by will, data unknown, a rent-charge of £4,
secured upon land, and vested in Mr. John Gwynne, for the relief of decayed
houBekeepers in tlus parish.

A person imknown bequeathed tbe sum of £10, now vested in Mr. Tobe,
the yearly interest of whica is ordered to be distributed among decayed house-
keepers in this parish.

LLANELWEDD.

This name perpetuates the remembrance of a saint
called Elwedd. Tne parish is of small extent, about two
miles and a half in length, and the same in breadth,
containing 6000 acres of land inclosed and cultivated,
together with some commons uninclo&ed, and rocky hills.
The principal landed proprietors are Thomas Thomas,
Esq., of Pencerrig, David Thomas, Esq., of Wellfield
House, and M. H. T. Gwynne, Esq., of Llanelwedd Hall.
The estate of Pencerrig formerly belonged to the ancient
family of Powel, who derive their pedigree from Eilistan
Glodnidd, Lord of Fferllys and Moelynaidd. The last
proprietor of that name left no male issue, but had two
daughters, of whom the elder was married to Walter
Williams, Esq., of Caebalfa, and secondly to Hugh
Morgan, Esq., of Bettws Diserth. She lies buried in the
back aisle of the church of Leominster, in the county of
Hereford, where an antique monument has been erected
to her memory, with the following inscription ; —

" Addsb juxta humatee filiae Thomse Poivel de PeDcerrig id
com. Radnor, Gen: ex Mari^ fil. Hoeli Onynne de Glanbrane in
agro Maridun, Armig. ideoque pnecipuis de Cambria 8ilurum
et in eo divitum familiis cognatione conjunct. Pridem Gualteri
Williams Gen: Dein Hugoaia Morgan, Gen: conjugia aman-
tissimsB. Variolarum malefi. valetud. decessit 8vo die Octobris
anno Domtni 1719. .^tatis suee 53. H. M. maritus heu superatea
uxori bene merenti mtereos posuit."

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HI8T0BT OP RADITORSHIRB. SJ97

The younger daughter was married to John Jones, Esq.,
of Trefonnen, in the parish of Llandrindod, who served
the office of high sheriff for this county in the year 1737.
Their issue was Mary, the relict of the late Thomas
Jones, Esq., of Pencerrig. This estate, together with
several others in the parishes of Diserth, Uandrindod,
&c., were conveyed to 'iliomas Thomas, Esq., by marriage
with the grand -daughter of the above-mentioned Thomas
Jones, Esq. The sister and co-heiress of Mrs. Thomas

was married to Dale, Esq., Captain of the Royal

Navy, and took vith her several other estates. The
mother of these two ladies was a native of Italy, to whom
their father, the late Thomas Jones, Esq., eldest son of
the above-mentioned Thomas Jones, Esq., was passionately
attached, when on his travels thither to improve himself
in that fine art in which he excelled ; and whom it is re-
ported, after his return to England, he married, according
to the prescribed form of our National Church, though
unfortunately in a period subsequent to their birth. This
circumstance produced a tedious and expensive litiga-
tion, commenced at the suit of Middleton Jones, Esq., of
Penybont Hall, the eldest surviving son of the grand-
father of Mrs. Thomas, on the ground that this lady
being bom previous to the solemnization of matrimony
^reeably to the form of the Church of England, he
stood entitled to the estate as heir-at-law. After many
trials in a court of judicature, it was decided that the
estates which composed his mother's jointure, viz., Tre-
fonnen, &c., should be awarded to that gentleman, who
has since laid claim to the whole property as of right
devolving to him after the decease of Mrs. Thomas, and
has publicly advertised the sale of the reversion. The
mansion-house of Pencerrig is built with brick, having
in front a very lai^ piece of water well stocked with
fish, and situated amid very beautiful scenery.

The resident population of this parish, according to
the return made in the year 1801, consisted of 146 indi-
viduals. The money raised by the parish rates for the
2q

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398 HIBTORT OF RADKOBSBtBS.

serrice of the year 1803 wa8 aseessed at 5s. in the pound,
and amounted to the sum of £74 15s. lO^d.

This parish is further entitled to regard on account of
the antiquities it contains, and the national events which
have been in former ages transacted in it. On the hill
named Caemeddau is an immense quantity of huge but
loose stones, in colour vying with akbaster in whiteness,
and resembling, though not equalling in number, the
Cerrig-gwynion, or white stones, upon Cwystedin-fawr,
near the post town of Rhayader. Tradition reports that
these stones were conveyed thither by labour in the
druidical times, which surely must be an erroneous state-
ment. The labour required for such a purpose must have
been immense, and far beyond human means. Their
extremely irregular and disorderly disposition militates
against the supposition of the existence of a earn, or cams.
The most rational account ascribes them to be the con-
tents of a disembowelled mountain. At the distance of
about a quarter of a mile is a huge square stoue, placed
erect in the ground, which now serves as a boundaiy
between the parishes of Llanelwedd and Llanfaredd.
Besides these two, the parish of Uansantfraid also has
a right of commonage on this hill. As Caemeddau com-
mands a full view of the Roman station upon the leithon,
and of the line of the Roman road leading to it from the
Wye, it is conjectured by some antiquaries that this
large heap of stones was the concerted point of rendez-
vous where the Silurians were to assemble, and from
which they darted and attacked the Roman convoys
charged with the lead ore extracted from the mines in
the parish of Llan-y-drindod.

On the left hand of the road leading to Rhayader, and
also at a short distance from the Wye, and about two
miles from the village of Llanelwedd up the river, are
the remains of a very ancient fortification, or camp, on a
farm named Court Llechrhyd, which the historian of
Brecknockshire erroneously states to be in the parish of
Diserth. It was Bunounded by a deep and wide foas.

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BISTORT OF RADROBBHIRE. 299

or trench, and high rampart, and it inclosed about ten
acres of land. The intrenchment at this time is in many
places full of water, and the quality of the soil is marshy.
The foBS, or trench, was at least twenty feet wide, and
six or seven feet high, and could be filled with water,
which a small rill supplied. No internal trench appears
at present. To the west of this fortification, several cir-
cular mounds of earth have been thrown up, on which
are no marks of intrenchment, as they appear at present ;
but these may have been obliterated by the plough, as
cultivation has been carried up to their summit. These
mounds, or hillocks, seem well calculated to serve as out-
posts, or stations of observation, commanding a view of
the vale of the Wye, both to the east and west of the
principal fortification, as far as the winding of the river,
and the obstruction of intervening hills willadmit. This
station seems judiciously selected for the purpose of sur-
prizing an enemy advancing up the line of the river Wye,
and indeed appears more fitted to hold an army of reserve
than for any other purpose. Ill adapted for defence, or
to repel the common enemy, it seems more appropriated
to the ill-fated purpose of deciding the intestine quarrels
which, unhappily for the independence of Wales, too
often prevailed among its chieftains and princes. And
accordingly we find that this was the use to which it had
once been applied. For in the year 1 809 Cadwgan, Riryd,
and Madoc, the sons of Bleddyn ab Cynfyn, Prince of
North Wales, had with a formidable force overrun and
ravaged this part of Radnorehire, which belonged to Rhys
ab Tewdwr, Prince of South Wales, and his son-in-law
Madoc ab Idnerth, Lord of Moelynaidd and Elfael, and
shutting themselves up within the lines of this fortified
encampment, defied the united strength of these com-
bined princes. Vain was their confidence ; for Rhys ab
Tewdwr, and Madoc ab Idnerth, on the first intelligence
of this hostile irruption, having effected a junction of their
respective forces, marched against the invaders, attacked
them in the midst of their intrenchments, and burst into
them with irresistible fury. Then a terrible carnage

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300 HI8T0BT OF HADNORBHIBS.

ensued. Riryd and Madoc shared the fate due to their
rebellion, together with a great number of their deluded
countrvnien. Cadwgan saved himself by flight. Thus
did Wales waste its strength in civil dissension, and by
this weakness forwarded the views of its foreign enemies.

The present farm-house and buildings are erected on a
small eminence on or near the spot where the old court
or castellated mansion originally stood. This fortress was
made use of by Llewelyn, the last Prince of Wales, ia
bis unfortunate expedition into this country, which termi-
nated in his death, for the purpose of securing, in case of
a defeat, bis return over the Wye into the north.

Cilleg Cadwgan is the almost inaccessible rock to which
Cadwgan fled wounded from the battle of Llechrbyd, in
this parish, and from which be afterwards had the good
fortune to effect his escape.

Ecctetiaitical Aeamnt.

Tlie cliiircli, <x nther chapel, is a small edi£c^ connsting of a pordi, naTc,
clumcel, and a tow tower contunin^ one beQ. "Ae chnrch-jard is a spadon*
plauij from which is a moat beautj^ and pictnreaqoe Tiew both up and down
the nver. It is dedicated to St. Matlliew, and tbe wake u holden on the first
Sunday in October.

This benefice is a perpetnsl cnrac;, not in charge^ stated in laber Btgig to
be of the yearly- certified valae of £6. The tithes of the parish are occupied
by tlie prebend, with the power of leasing, and annexed to the prebendsiy.
The terrier is as follows ; — " Church-yard, and ^ of an acre of pasture land
adjoining the road; ^ of all grain and hay; some of the lands are covered
with a modus Jd, for erery ^y's math, payable at Easter ; ^ of wool and
lambs; ^d. for sheep broucht in at May; for sununered sheep Is. per score;
tithe oi cheese from first &.j of May t« first day of November; cotnpodtiaa
of Is. for every cow yearly; smoak Id.: garden Id.; colt Id; calf ^;
offerings 2d. from every person 17 years old; from the ratate of Trewern 5s.;
from non-resident occupiers of land Ss. in the pound ; tithe of pigs, geese,
fruit, hops, turnips, flax, and hemp, and honey ; tithe of oopmce wood ; j of
the tithes of all profits and increase growing within this puish; burial Is.;
wedding 4b. 6d. or 5e. ; churching Is. It has received two augmentations
from Queen Anne's bounty, which money has been laid out in the purchase rf
two small estates ; one of which lies in the vicinity of Kington, H^efordahire ;
so that the total emoluments of this benefice at present amomit to the sum of
£i5 18s. per annnm. The Rev. J<^in Williams, ArtAkdeacon c£ Cardigan, is

llie prebend of Llandwedd, discharged, in the Co11egiat« Church of Breck-
nock, is estimated in Liber Regis at X6 lOs. per annum, the clear yearly valne
of which is £25. The yearly t«ntbs are 13s. In the ^ear 1649 this prebend
was abolished by the pamanientary commissioneni, and its revenue sequMtrated
and applied to the godly purposes of fiinaticism and rebellion. The Bishop
of St. David's is the patron.

D,=;,lz...,C00g[e

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302 HISTORY OP RADIfOnSHiaG.

year 1801, its resident population consisted of 293 indi-
Tidiials. The money raised by the parish rates for the
service of the year 1^03 amounted to the sum of £205 6s.,
at 9s. in the pound.

To the antiquary this parish presents many interesting
relics. The first that deserves to be mentioned is the
celebrated castle of Colwyn, so called from a small brook
that runs at the foot of it. This fortress was surrounded
with a deep and wide trench, or foss, which in certain
places at this time contains water. Its external intrench-
ment incloses an area of ten acres of land. The part
towards the west is now converted into a corn-field, con-
taining at least five acres. This castle is situated on the
Forest Farm, and was constructed for the purpose of de-
fending the country from hostile incursions advancing
from the eastern parts of the kingdom. On a small
common, about eighty yards from the exterior intrench-
ment, a huge coarse stone, about six feet square, and
about two feet thick, lies flat upon the ground, diflFering
in quality from all the stones in the neighbourhood,
generally supposed to have been conveyed thither for the
purpose of covering the remains of a person of distinction,
but which, in the judgment of the author of this work,
composed the fragment of a cromlech.

within half a mile of this castle are several tumuli, or
barrows, one on a small common near to the river Edw,
in which were lately found two earthen jars, of brown
ware, curiously embossed, about two feet high, closely
covered with plaiu stones, and capable of containing five
gallons of liquid, and inclosing originally, as it is sup-
posed, human bones. These vases, on being exposed to
the air, fell in pieces, and the contents became dust and
ashes, emitting an offensive smell, which continued for
several days. There are two other barrows undisturbed,
on a farm named Bryn-Hwyd ; and also a conspicuous
artificial mound on the bank of the Edw, of considerable
height and extent, surrounded by a deep trench and high
rampart. A little to the south-west of the castle, and on
the farm on which that fortress was erected, stands another

Digilzed by Google

HieTORT OF RADNORSniRE.

artificial mound, near to the fork of a dingle, and to the
bottom of a very steep piece of wood-land, surrounded
by a deep foss and high rampart. This spot is admirably
well chosen, not only to give intelligence to the garrison
of the castle of the approach of an enemy, having the
castle and three out-posts within its view, viz., Brin-
llwyd, Cwm-Boltwr, and Craig-fawr, but also to conceal
in ambush a force which might annoy the besiegers of the
castle, and in case of a repulse retire into that fortress, or
disperse in the woods, where pursuit would be difficult.

On a common, partly between the church of Llansant-
fraid and that of Llan-y-drindod, near to an estate named
Llwyn-Madoc, now the seat and residence of Hugh
Vaughan, Esq., is a high and rocky bank, in some places
perpendicular, named the Castle Bank, on which has been
a camp or military position of remote antiquity, encom-

Cassed by a moderate intrenchment, containing a spacious
ut uneven area about 800 yards in circumference, com-
manding an extensive view of the country lying between
it and Rhayader, and distant about two miles west from
the castle of Colwyo. The sides of this intrenchment are
constructed with loose stones, and on the very summit are
large heaps of stones of the same kind, viz., from two to
sis pounds weight each. There exists no appearance of
building. This fortification seems to have been a place
of refuge when the destructive engines of war were un-
known, and when the inhabitants had no other instrument
but stones to defend themselves, or to annoy their invaders.
At what period, or by what person, this once formidable
and famous castle of Colwyn was constructed is a matter
of which neither history nor tradition afford any authentic
detail. The author's opinion is, that on this advantageous
spot originally stood a Silurian stronghold, coeval and co-
operating with all the other Silurian fortifications on the
banks of the Edw, as well as on those of the different
'streams which discbarge themselves into that river, and
which water the adjoining parishes; and that this strong-
hold was at first employed in repulsing, or at least ob-
Btructing the progress of, the Roman iavaders, who, it is

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304 HI8T0BT OP RADNOBflHna.

well known, directed their operations against this part of
the Radnorshire district from the Brecknockshire side.
This conjecture derives some confirmation from the cir-
cumstance of retaining and preserving to this day

ancient and primitive appellation. When the Norman
conquerors of Brecknockshire wrested from Cadwgan, son
of Ellistan Glodnidd, and Lord of Moelynaidd and Elfael,

Cantref Muallt, which his father bad impoliticly con-
quered, and added to his patrimonial possessions, and
when they had passed the river Wye, this Silurian fortress
was among the first of their acquisitions, and was bestowed
on Ralph de Todeni, who bore the standard of William
in the battle of Hastings, and who had previously been
made governor of the castle of Clifiord. It was soon
afterwards destroyed by the Welsh ; rebuilt and regar-
risoned by that powerful baron William de Braoa, Lord
of Brecknock, Buallt, Gower, and Bramber, who more
than once caused King John to tremble on his throne. It
was denominated Maud's Castle in honour of his wife,
Maud de St. Vaieri, a port-town in France, whence Duke
William set sail on his English expedition. The Welsh,
indignant at this tyrant's numerous cruelties and oppres-
sions, demolished it a second time. It was afterwards
rebuilt, in the year 1231, by Henry III., who by this
route retreated out of South Wales after an unsuccessful
expedition into that country, and by him conferred on a
descendant of that family to which it originally belonged ;
for we find that, in the reign of Edward 11., it was pos-
sessed by Robert de Todeni, a person of considerable
distinction in those days.

Near Llwyn-Madoc, in this parish, was fought a battle
between Uewelyn, the last Prince of Wales, and Sir
Edmund Mortimer, deputy-lord of Moelynaidd and El-
fael. The victory was claimed by both parties. Sir
Edmund, however, received a mortal wound, of which
he soon after died in the castle of Wigmore.

Eecletiaitiettl Account.

"J^e church ii dedicated to St. Bridget, and conmsti of a pordi, nsre,

ehaiuxil, «nd tower wnttuning one bSl, ndthar of lAioh ctnitauu tay

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE. 305

vrtide deeerring lustorical recoid, ezcepdnK & tablet in the cliancel, dedi-
csted to the memoiy of John Doane, Esq., of this paiish, &nd decorated with
the &m3y anus, nz., a, demi-lioB upon a globe, a, leopard, and a chevron
betveen two bu^le homB,

Thu benefice IS a discharged vicarage, estiiDAted in XAerAjrii at £5 14b. 9^
per annum. The Tearl; tenths are lis. 5^. Hie Bishop of St. David's is the
patnm. The clear fearly value, as stated in Liber Begi», in the men of Queen
Anne, is £iO. But aa the tithes of this parish are equall}^ divided Itetween the
vicar and the trustees of Elwel, or Elfad charity, one moiety to each, tbe total
emoluments of the vicar amount to three times lliat sum.

Hie pr^Mid of LlansantJraid, in tiie Collegiate Church of Brecknock, is
estimated in Uber Regit so low as £1 6s. 8d. per annum. The yearly tenths
are2s.8d.

Charitable JDonatioru.

In the year 1710 Mr. Huehes bequeathed a rent-chaive secured upon land,
and now vested in Mr. Hu^hVaughan, of the amount of £2, to be distributed
among the poor of this parish.

In a year unknown a rent-charge of £1 secured upon land, and now vested
in Mr. William Bridgwaters, was bequeathed by a person unknown, and
whether by will or d«d ujikiiown, to be distributed among decayed house-
keepers in this parish.

Li a year unknown the Bev. Bees Powell bequeathed certun lands and
estates, of which the annual rent is to be applied to the apprenticing of pocx
children of this parish, being one of the sixteen parishes t£at are entitled to a,
share of the Cobryn or Boughrood charity.

Lut of Incumhentt.

RiceWllllaou I?73 John Hagha, A.M. 1796

WUUam Uiggs, A.U. 1784 Teoables, D.D

RULEIT, oa RHIWLYN.

This name is derived from a brook of that denomina-
tion which flows through the vale of Rulen, and drives a
corn-mill near the church of Rulen. It contains 1600
acres of land, of which about 1000 are supposed to be
inclosed and cultivated. The remainder is composed of
hills and wastes, uninclosed and uncultivated. According
to the return made in the year 1801 its resident popu-
lation consisted of 120 individuals. The money raised
by the parish rates for the service of the year 1803
amounted to the sum of £85 14s. 3d., from an assessment
of lOs. S^d. in the pound.

EccletiastKal Account.

The church, or rather chapel, is a. small edifice, containing no srticlo deser-
ving historical notice. It is dedicated to St. David.

This benefice is a chweLry, the tithes of which are divided between Utia
Bishop of St David's and the incumbent. Feranl Iiewis, Esq^ of Downton,

2h

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306 BISTOaY OF RADMOBBHIBB.

ii the biikop'i iewco. It is not in ^arge; it is Miasxed to tin Tieuage t£
Glascwm, aad BMted in Libtr Eegit to be of the certified jeaiiy valoe t£
jU 18s. 44 Its piannt inqtrOTed nlos amoimta to tike vmiul torn trf
£16 10a. 6d.

CharitaitU Donation.

Iliere m nnr veated in Mr. Thomsa Chwnbers a>iHiiicipal nun of meiw^

prodiKnng & jMrly interest of lOe., bequeathed by a penon unknown, in s

few onknown, and wbether hj viU or deed onknoiin, to be distxibated among

deoa^ hoiuekeepen of tiiiB pnriiii.

ADDITION TO THE ACCOUNT OF CASTLES.

The Bituation of Pain's Castle, and its connection with the
adjoining ones, serve aa a clue to unravel the policy and progress
of the Norman conquerors. Radnor having previously been made
a royal demesne by WilliBm the Conqueror, the project of opening
a communication between it and the town of Brecknock, which
had now fallen into the possession of Bernard de Newmarche,
was adopted; and Paganus, or Payne, Ralph de Todeni, i. e,,
Tbeodone, or Thionville, in the province of Luxemburg, and
Ralph Baskerville, followers of the Norman sovereign of Eng-
land, were commiBsioned to carry it into effect. Having taken
possession of the adjacent territory, for its preservation and
security, Paganus, or Payne, constructed a castle, in which he
for some time resided, and at bis death left it to his son Thomas.
This Paganus was buried in the Cathedral Church of Gloucester,
which had been endowed, if not built, by bis companion and
fellow- warrior, Bernard de Newmarche. The stone over his
tomb has this inscription, — "Hie jacet Paganus de Cadurcis,"
that ia. Here lieth Payne of Cahors, now Quercy, in the province
of Guienne. This castie afterwards descended among the pos-
terity of Bernard de Newmarche, and, by marriage with a grand-
daughter of that chieftain, came into the possession of William
de Braos, Lord of Brecknock. In the year 1 196 it was besieged
and taken by Prince Rhys, who restored it to its former possessor.
Two years subsequent to this transaction it sustained a second
siege of three weeks by Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys, who,
being himself besieged by a combined force of Normans and
Welsh, was compelled to retreat with considerable loss. In 1215
Giles de Braos, a Bishop of Hereford, and a great warrior, who
knew bow to wield the temporal aa well as the spiritual sword,
bestowed this castle, b^atber with its diq)eiideQeie8, on Walter

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ADDITION TO THE ACCOUNT OF CABTI.ES. 307

FycfaBD, the ion of Eineon Clyd, tiw tmiJiu of EUsel, from
whom is descended the Vaughan fiimily of CHyro,

Aberedw Castle waa posBessed by a descendant of the family
of Baskeirilie, which came into Engiand with William I., but
whether it was constructed in that reign is a matter of uncer-
tainty. Id the reign of King Hetuy II., Sir Ralph Baskerville, of
Aberedw, married Drogo, a daughter of Lord Clifford, of Clifford
Castie. A violent dispute respecting some property arose between
the fether and son-in-law, of which the former rudely and unjustly
dispossessed the latter. A challenge ensued, and they fought at
a place near Hereford, where afterwards a white cross was erected,
which stood till Queen Elizabeth's time, and then was pulled
down by one Gernons, The event of the battle proved iatal to
Lord Cufibrd, and Sir Ralph Baskerrilte purcliased of the Pope
a pardon for killing his iather-ia>law. Whoever casts his eye
upon the map of this county cannot fail to discern the profound
policy which directed the construction of this chain of castles.
For whilst they secured a contact with Radnor and Huntington
in the rear, and in front with Buallt, they completely dissected
the district, separating the territory of Elfael from that of Moely-
naiddj and, by commanding the adjacent country, preserved a
communication with the casfle of Hay, and with Brecknockshire.

The advantage that would result from fortifying the hoe of the
river leithon with a chain of castles was too obvious to be
neglected, even at an early period of the Norman invasion;
and consequently, the fortresses of Moelyaeidd, Cefn-y-llys, iwd
Ihiybod, (H* Hbboedd, were constructed m snecessioo. The fate
of the former was various, and the possessioo of it long and
violently contested, someUmes falling into the bands of the in-
vaders, and sometimes into those of the defenders, of the country^
till the year 1 174, when Cadwallon ab Madoc, making strenuous
efforts, succeeded in recovering this lord^ip and castle, the
possession of which was further secured by his submission, and
ny his doing homage to Henry II. But Roger Mortimer, on
whom that sovereign had bestowed this territory, on condition of
conquering and garrisoning it with troops which should be at
the command of ue toytH will, having assembled for this purpose
a consideraUe and well-provided army, invaded this district ia
the year 1194, and after many and bloody battles fought with
various success, at length dispossessed Cadwallon of all Eis lands
in the cantref of Modjmaida, and built and fortified the castle
of Cwmavon, where be some time resided.

In the year 1262 Llewelyn ah Grufiudd, Prince of North
Wales, with a cboaen detachment of troops, surprized and took
the castle of Cefhllys, made the governor prisoner, and put the

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308 HISTOKT OP RADWORSHIRB.

greatest pert of the garrisoD to the Bword. It was retaken in
the same year by Sir Roger Mortimer, at that time governor of
Bnallt, who repaired its fortifications, and appointed a garrison
for its defence. In the time of Camden it was in a ruinated
condition, and the property helonged to the Duke of York.

The castle of Old Radnor, or Pec-y-craig, was destroyed by
Rhys ah Gruffudd in the reign of King John. The sieges and
destruction of the castles of New Radnor, and Rhayader, have
been already detailed.

The Welsh, as Lord Coke justly obserres, were always .valiant
and loyal, and fought for their liege princes. In the bloody
contests between the rival houses of York and Lancaster they
were divided, Jasper, Earl of Pembroke, and Sir Owen Tudor,
espoused the cause of Henry VL; whilst this district remained
attached to its Lord of Moelynaidd, who had been declared by
Parliament, and was in reality, the rightful heir of the crown of
England. Philip ab Howell, descended from the ancient reffuU
of this district, was at this time proprietor of the castle of
Cnwclfis, within the lordship of Moelynaidd ; and having offered
bis services to Richard, Duke of York, which were most graci-
ously received, he carried on continual skirmishes with Roger
Corbet, and others of distinction, in ibe county of Salop, par-
tizans of King Henry, in which he was assisted by the powerful
co-operation of Gruffudd ab Nicholas. For this tney were both
indicted and convicted of felony by justices assigned by the
king; but it was found impracticable to apprehend them. la
one of these skirmishes was Killed at Brampton, on Palm Sunday,
Brian, second son of Geoffrey de Harley, of Brampton Castle,
in the county of Hereford. When Richard, Duke of York,
received that fatal overthrow at the battle of Wakefield, his
eldest son, the Earl of Marche and Lord of Moelynaidd, lay at
Gloucester, who, having been apprized of his father's death,
invited bis friends in the Marches of Wales to assist and join
btm. He soon raised an army of 24,000 men, so much were the
inhabitants of the Marches attached to the house and lineage
of Mortimer. Among those that crowded to his standard, were
Gruffudd ah Nicholas, and Philip &b Howell, followed by 1400
men well armed, of efficient strength, and resolute hearts. The
Earl of Marche's plan was to overtake the Queen of King Henry,
who was marching to London ; but Jasper, Earl of Pembroke,
with Sir Owen Tudor, stood as a barrier in his way. They met
and fought at Mortimer's Gross, in Herefordshire. (a.d. 1461.)
The Earl of Marche obtained a decisive victory, but with the
loss of Gruffudd ab Nicholas, and several of bis brave men.

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APPENDIX.

NcL

MnnSTEBS' ACCOUNTS, EADNOKSHIRB, IN THE AUGMEN-
TATION OFUCE.

Nnper Monastmum de Cotnbofe infra Dioc' MeoereDsiB.
33 Hen. &

Comltero £ s. D. £ e. D.
Terr' domiuicaleg ...... 10

Bedd' Tenement! GoUen in tenura HoeU ap Dd Goz 3 4

Bedd. Ten. voc. Terr Jode 3 6

Bedd. divers. Terr. &c tcc Estem&Tanclie - - 10

Bedd. Ten. too. Brine Hice 020

Bedd, Ten. in Gollen 4

Bedd. jparcdL ten' infra precinct. Men. - - 3 4

Bedd. Ten. roc. Castell pinnok - - - - 3 4

Bedd. Ten. in tennra Job. ap FhiUips - - • 5

Bedd. Ten. in tenura HoeU ap Price - - - 5

Bedd. Ten. voc. Byirebryn 034

Bedd. Ten. intenura Hodl ap Price - - - 5

Bedd- Ten. in tenura Jevan ap Bedo - • - 6 6

B«dd. Ten. voc Ikenen Ipaille - - - - 3 4

Bedd. Ten. voc Panlle Eourbay - - - - 3 4

Bedd. Ten. voc. Dinan 6 8

Bedd. Ten. toc Borne haTod Neweth - - - 5

Bedd. Ten. Toc. Teddyngroftyf Kjon - - - 4

Bedd. Ten. voc. Igill nat - - - - - 6 8

Eedd. Ten. in tenura Dd ap powell ap Dd lAoyd - 8 8

Bedd. Ten. voc. Serpin Minor - - - - 6 8

Kedd. Ten. voc. Tyddyn lUoyd - - - - 3 4

Bedd. Ten. voc, Leehen Wethau - - - - 4

Bedd. Ten. voc CKerchellej - - - - 3 4

Bedd Ten. voc. Tythen Croft - - - - 5

Bedd. Ten. voc. Mays Inerth - - - - 6 8

Redd. Ten. dimiss Gr. ap Bedo ap PhilEppe - - 3 4

Bedd. T^L voc Keven Ipaulle - - - - 5 4

Bedd. Ten. voc Iquarre 034

Bedd Ten. toc T^TJier 034

Bedd Ten. voc Dunhe 050

Redd Ten. toc Crofti parte - - - - 2 6

Bedd Ten. voc. Henvaia - - - - - 050

Bedd Ten. voc Condbedo 3 4

Bedd. Ten. too. Bewdy 6 8

Bedd Ten. TOC Tahigre - ■ - - . 6 8

Digilzed by Google

BISTORT OF RADH0R8H1RB.

Kedd. Ten. toc Natwrin - - . -

Redd. Ten- yoc Erterixririld

Bedd. Ten. toc. Henuth . - . -

Redd. Ten. toc limbet . . - -

Redd. Teu. toc Lytle Idude

Redd. Ten. toc DolevichJui . . -

RedA. Ten. toc Kebeche . - - -

Redd. Ten. toc Cyn'kynned

Redd. Ten. toc Ferth IcaiBolTin • - -

Redd. MoLeud. toc Guellanissa ...

Redd- Ten. in tenura HoweU G03 Neweth -

Redd. Ten. in tennn Lb op Jeran ap Dnojr -

Redd. Ten. in man. Gr. ap Dd. •

Redd. Ten. dimiga. Bice ap FmrdI G03

Redd- Ten. in tennra Lewi* ofi Jerwi G03

Redd. Ten. in man. Jeran ap Bedo a{> powell

Bedd. Ten. dimias. Bedo ap Dd ap price

Redd. Tea. in man. Dd Benlloid -

Redd. Ten. TOC GaTan^ Di

Bedd. Ten. toc Ester

Redd. Ten. toc Abrimawre . - - -
Redd. Ten- toc Batdoid ....
Bedd. Tea. toc Kennenkm ...

Redd- Ten- toc Dolo ....

Bedd. Ten. toc Dokh LLurn
B«dd. Ten. toc. Sajnt Welthian -
Redd. Ten. toc Hew Lofraine ...
Bedd. Ten. toc Brnoo Denet ...
Bedd. Ten. toc Laneherwdth ...
Redd. Ten. *oc. Tringor ....
Redd. Ten. in tanun Rice ap Mado<^ -
Bedd- unius Molendini ....

Bedd. Ten. in tenura Owell Bedo ap LWd -
Bedd. Ten. ia man. Thome ap price ap t^o -
Bedd. Ten- ia tenun EUce ap phiUippe Meredd
Bedd. Ten. in tenuia Jeran ap Dd ap Powell
Bedd. Ten. in man. Rice ap Price
Redd. Ten. in teniint Joakya Bydo ...
Redd. Ten. in tenura Bice ap Bido ap powell ^>
phiUippe - - - - - • -j

Bedd. Ten. toc Blayth Wyne ....
Redd. 28. Biuaell de Ottemele prec le Bun 8*

£ a. n. £ B.

Tempseter.
Bedd. Ten. toc GaTell
Bedd. Ten. toc Hulgarfli -
Redd. Ten- toc Iwenle Nowed
Redd. Ten. toc Irjdirillinge
Redd. Ten- in Tempeeter predict. -
Redd- Ten- toc Gwyr IweUen
Bedd. Prat toc Ewaghid Day

SUBU

Digilzed by Google

Redd. S paradL tenr. in ScovOTe - • • - 13 4

Redd. Ten. too. Madinadv 6

Redd. Terr, voc Maacadolor Monaks - - - 5

Redd. Ten. Toc Dole Igaiin - - - - 6 8

R«dd. Ten. in teaam Hoell »p Dd ap Merike - 5

SnmiTHi .1 3 18 :
Grangia de Camaff

Bedd. mmcnpat. Csmaff in parodua de Clero - 10

Redd. nmuB parceU, Ten-. & dimid. Gavell infra > q 5 ©

Redd, ftati TOCftt. Sirengkrith - - - - 2

Onmbige Aresdye
Redd. Ten, toc. Bnga jacen. int«r rivnlnm voc Uqyd | g 6 8

ft ifTtdum TOO. Bunn - - - - - /
Bedd. Ten. in tennra iJn. Dd ap Jenrtut JJoyd - 8

^ Smnma IS

GnutgiA de GaTalva
Redd. Ten. & Molend. too. Mb y GavalTa Poll J 1 a g

Redd Terr. Ac too Uoyd de T* Dd - - - 0*8
Redd, unius Domus Yoc. Graunga House - - 10
Redd. Ten, too, KaTsewood Tajre j eyke - - »
Redd. Terr. Anabil dimiu. Jenkyn ap Jeraa ap> nan

Meredd J

Redd. Ten. roc Pene Iwemo - - - - 8
Redd. Terr, too. Bronne UioTrdie - - - 8

Smnma 3 17

Breleu in Donunio de Himtingdon
Redd. T«>T & BO0O. in lioren Juie - - • t T
Redd. diTSra. tor. in HuntiDgdon - - - 7

Redd. ten. in man' Margerie relict Dd ap Dd - 4 4
Redd. Tm. dim. p. Rice G05 Taykar - - - 4 4
Redd. Ten. toc. Llete Innedowe - - - - 5 2
Redd. 90 acr. terr. arab. too. Kay cn^ - ■ - 4 2

Redd. Ttrn. too. Calken 14

Redd. Terr, too. Ewellen 14

Redd- Ten. too. BenbriU 18

Redd. Ten. in man. Thome ap Dd - - - 18

Redd. Ten. in tenura Lowya ap Jevaii Dd ap powdl 10

Redd. Ten. tor Baldmanl S 10

Snnuna ; I 18

Granna Ave Maueriom de Manacbte Poetk in Uelenith
Redd. Grangie rive Manor' ftrc ------ 16

Gnngia de Gwemoeo
Redd. Grangie in donunio de K^ Kerry .---86

Grangia de Nantarian.
Redd.Gn^e 1 »

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HISTORT OF RADNORSHIRB.

COMITATUS KADENORE ET BRECKNOCK.

mentomm ac aliarum posseatnonum miuumciuiq' tam tcmporalium qaam
BforituaJium onmibiis et nugulis ouper Mouasterijs Abbatliija ^ve prioratjbua
in Comitatibug predictis pertineDtJuin give spectantium que ad manus Dommi
Refps nunc devenerunt ac in manibus suia jam eziBtant et anuexantur Corona
e heredum aye guccesBorum suoram B«^;um Anglie in augnentacione Be-

vencionuio ejusdem Oorone Anglie virtute cujusdam Actus in parliaments si
tento apud Weetmonasterium super prorogationem quarto die Februarij anno
xegni ii^us Domini Regis 27°° iude edito et proviso prout in eodem Actu
int«r alia continetur viz* a festo Sancti Michaelis Archangeli anno regni
Henri(u octavi D^ gratia Anglie Francie et Hibemie Regis £dei defeneoris et
in terra Anglicane et Hibeniice Eccleue snpremi Capitis 37° usque idem
festnm Sancti Michaelis extunc prozimum seqnens anno regni ejusdem Domini
Regis 36° Bcilicet per unum annum integrum

CoHEHiBB nuper Monasterium in Comitatn Radnor predicta authcoitate
parliamcnti auppressum

CouForns Johannis WilKamf Militis Assignati Willielmi Tnmer defuncti
Firmarij omnium posseaaionum dicto nuper Monasterio pertinencium viz*
per tempus predicCum

FiBMA TEBRSBCM DOHiNicAi.inM cum oDUubos alijs poBsesmonibus diclo
nuper Monasterio pertinentibas

Et de £40 18 3 de firma Scitus eiusdem nuper Monasterij cum terns
dominicelibus lOs. Redditibus & firmis m villa de Gollen £18 3 4 Heriettis
Belevija & alijs perquisitis Curiarum ibidem communibns annis 233. 6d.
Bedditdbns in villa de Tempseter in Comitatu Mongomerie 783. 8d. Grang^
de Camaf in Comitatu Radnor ac in parochia de 27s. Redditu et

Firma Grangio de Gabalw in Comitatu Radnor predicta 57b. 4d. Redditibus
et Firmis in villa de BrCTlyn in eodem Comitatn 38b. 5d. Redditu Gran^
de Manawghtie poeth in Dominio de Melenjrtli 26s. 8d. Grangia de GwjTnogo
in parochia de Llanehangell in Kyrrey in Comitatu Mongomerie £S 6 8
Grangia de Nantaraiion m parochia de Llanbadem Yaur in Comitatu Car-
digan 26b. 8d. Que omnia et singula premissa supetiua expressa & apeoificata
nuper fuerunt in manibua Johannis Turner Generosi et modo dimissa Johanni
Williams Militi per Indenturam sub sigillo Domini Regis Curie ausmentationum
Revencionum Coroae sue datam apud Weatmonaaterium 4° die Novembris
anno regni Regis Henrici octavi 30™°. Habendum sibi et aasignatis auis a
festo Sancti Michaelis Archangeh ultimo pret^rito usque ad finem termini
21" annorum tunc proaimo aequente & plenarie complendorum Reddendo
inde annuatim ac solveudo ad iesta annunciationia beate Mario Yirginis et
Sancti Michaelis Archangeli vel inira unum mensem post utrumque featum
featorum iUorum per equalea portionea Et predictus Dominus Rex vult et per
preaentes concedit quod ipse neredes et succeaaores sui dictum Johannem et
asaignatos buos de omnibus redditibus feodis annuitatibus et denariorum
summis quibuscomque de premiseis sea eorum aliquo exeuntibuB sen solv^dis
preterquam de redditibus auperius reservatis versus quascunque personaa do
tempore in tempus exonerabunt acquietabunt et defendent Ac omnia domoa
et edificia premissorum que Bunt infra et prope Scitum dicti nuper Monasterij
tam in Ma«remio quam m Coopertura T^la & Sclate de tempore in tempus
tociens quodeo* neceasarie et oportunum fiierit bene et Bufficienfer reparabunt
suatentabmit et manutenere facient durante termino predicto £t predictus
Johannea concedit per presentee qnod ipse et aasignati sui coopertunun

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9 reparationes premiasorum preter lepara-
tiones maeremij et cooperture tegule et sclate prec]ict« de tempore iu t<^puB
supportabunt et sustcntabunt durante termioo predicto Et dictua Dominus
Rex iilteriua vult et per presentes eoncedit quod bene licebit prefato Johaimi
et assignatis suts capere perdpvre et habere de in et super premissls com-
petentem et sufficientem budgeboot« fireboot« ploughboole & corteboote
ibidem et non alibi annuatim expendendum et occupandum durante termino

rMlicto de I6d, de annuali Decima Domino Regi reservata de rudditibus et
nis in Cumbiga Amscle annui raloris 13s. id. conces^s per literas Domini
Regis patcnt«3 Ricardo Andrewea et Nicholao Temple et eorum aissignatia
imperpetuum mtnime hie respondet Eo quod oneratur in Compoto Georgjj
Wall Receptoris in titulo annualifl De&me prout ibidem patet

Summa £4() 16 3
Summa Oneris cum Arreragija £250 11 6 de quibua allocatur d £6 ut
pro tantis denarija per ipsum Computantem expendia in necessaiijs Repara-
tjonibus factis et appositis in et super firmam predictam viz' in Maeremio
Tegula et Selate in annis 34 "> 35" & 36" Regis Henrid octavi prout lestatur
coram Auditore super tunc Compotum sine Billa inde ostensa Et eidm'
£4 pro denarijd per ipsum petitis pro feodo Johannia Egerley Clcrici Curie
omnmm poaseasionura predictorum pereipiente 20a. per annum sic per ipsum
Computantem admissis ob defectum Scnescalli ibidem viz' tam pro anno
36° Regis Henrid octavi qin £ iij*" annis nx precedentibtis quolibet anno
ut supra Et eidem 263. 8d. pro annuali redditu Boluto Jacobo Vaughan ad
26a. 8d. per annum sic ribi concessos sub Si^llo Curie AugmentatJonum
Revencionum Corone Regie data 20'°° die Junij anno regni ejusdem Domini
Regis 37" Habendum dbi et heredibus suis imperpetuum prout per Decretum
dicte Curie lacius patet viz in allocatione hujuamodi hoc anno ultra £12
inferius in titulo exonerati arreragiar' virtute ejusdem decreti exonerates ut
supra Et eidem £16 13 pro terns et possessionibus per Jobannem Williams
Militem perquisids ad £11 2 per annum viz' pro toto domo et scitu nuper
Monastenj de Couiehire prcdicta cum omnibus Mesuagijs Domibus Edificija
Orreis Stabulia Columbarys Ortis Pomarijs Gardinis Stagnis Vivarija l«rriB et
solum infra Scitum Septum Ambitum Procinctum et Circuitum ejusdem nuper
Monastenj cum tenia aomiuicalibua ibidem lOs.necnon omnibus dlisoctodecim
Modijs fenue Avenarum provcnientiumet annuatim solvendorum perTenentem
Grangie de Gollen 18s. 8d. necnon Grangie de Manawg^ty poeth 26s. &d. et
Grang^e de Gwjmogo cum omnibus suis pertinentija univeras £8 6 8 Que
omnia et singula premissa supeiius expressa et specificata Dominus noster Rex
Hemicua octavus Dm gratia Anglie Frande et Hibemie Rex. fidei defensor et
in terra Ecclesie Au^licane et Hiberaie aupremum Caput per lit«ras suas
patentes sub magno simllo suo Anglie datas apud Portesmoth 28" die Julij
anno regni sui 37° dedit et concessit pre&to Johanni WiUiams et Waltero
Hendley heredibus et aasignatis suis imperpetuum Tenendum predictum Sdtum
diet! nuper Monasterij de Comehyre ac cetera premissa de nobis heredibus et
successoribus nostris in capite per servicium quadragesime partis unius feodi
militis Ac Reddendum annuatim nobis heredibus et successoribus nostria de

a Sdtu et ceteris premises 22s. 2^ ad Curiam augmentac
RevencTonum Corone nostre ad lestum Sancd Michaelis Archan^li singulis
annis solvendos pro omnibus redditibua servicijs et demandis qmbuacumque
proinde nobis heredibus vel successoribus nostris quoquomodo reddendia
Bolvendis ve! faciendis Que quidem Decima oneratur in Compoto Receptoris
in titulo annnalis Decime infra Summam 44s. 5d. prout ibidem patet £t sic
in oneratione hujusmod! virtute literanim patentium predictarum viz' pro uno
anno & dimidio finiente ad festum Sancti Mchaelis Archangdi infr« tempuB
hajns Compoti acddentem

2s

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HISTORY OF RADNORSHIRE.

No. m.

CHARLBi by the Grace of God of England Scotland firance tiad Ireland
Kng defender of tbe fiaith and sofbrth To all to Whom tKese present Letters
■hall Come Greeting Whereas the Tenants of the Manors Lordships Castles
Srigniories Burroughs Forests B^nics Lands Tenements and hereditamenta
Called Gladeatry Colva Pnssteign Melenith, Knucklaa, Southruraeth, South-
ugre, Soutbnethian, Knighton, G wertbrinian, Ryslin, Ucbvid Yschard, Rayder,
and Comtoyrer in our County of Radnor and in the same situate whiiii wo
have lately granted and aliened to Charles Uarbord Williams Scrivener and
Phillip Eden and their heirs, who together with others (to whom the said
Premises) have been assigned by our Grant or of our late Father for our use:,
for a term of years not yet expired, Have granted the same Premises to
(Certain others Particularly to) George Wlutmore and Williaoi Wlitmore,
Have brought and dven to us of their own free will £741 12 0. of lawful
Money of England That we might reassume the same for a royal Fatrimony
That they themselves might continue Tenants of the Kiu^ of England like
as they had been heretofore And for the said sum the same iVilliam Whitmore
and G^rge Wlutmore Have granted the said Lordships Manors Castles and
other the Premises to us our heirs and successors and we have required the
same from them Know Ye that we graciously accepting the Love and good
will of our Tenants afores^d, of our own special Favor, and by our Certain
knowledge, and mere Modon, Have granted to our said tenants, and to each
of them, and their heirs, and assies. All the rights and ancient Customs
authorities Liberties and their privihdges in the premises, like as they hare
held them hitherto well and freely, and we have granted with the said Tenants,
and each of them, and their heirs, for ourselves, our heirs, and successors.
That they themselves irom henceforth may hold the Lands, Tenements, and
hereditaments, which are held by us. As touching the Lordships Manors
Castles and other the Premises, or touching each of them under us our heita
and successors, for the same rents Customs and services as the same have been
heretofore respectively held, altering nothing in future Intending that the said
Lordships Castles and other the Premises or any one of them may not be
transferred from the Crown of England or aliened or seperated from the same
This only excepted that the s^d Premises may be given or granted by us our
heirs and Successors, to our eldest Sons our heirs and Successors and their
heirs being Kings of England or to our or their Consort for the time being,
ForasmutS as express mention Concerning the yearly real Value in nowise
appears made in these Presents either touching the assurance of the said
nanuses, or any one of them, or touching other Gifts or Grants made by us
or by any one of our Progenitors or Predecessors to the said Tenants before
this time, Or in any statute act Ordinance Promise Proclamation or Restriction
to the Contrary from thenceforth before this had made published ordained or
provided or by any_ other thing cause or matter whatsoever in any wise not-
withstanding In witness whereof we have Caused these our Letters to be
made patent mjself bdng a witness at Canterbury the ixteenth Day of
Angnst in the nmth Year of our reign

WOLSBLBT.

¥ breve De privato Sigitlo.

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i

EDITOR'S NOTE.

We have oow completed our task of editing and pub-
lishing the " History of Radnorshire," by the late Rev.
Jonathan Williams, M.A. In so doing 'we have adhered
to the rule, which we proposed to ourselves at first, of
treating his MS. with the scrupulous care and respect
that should he shown to the work of a deceased friend,
omitting portions irrelevant to the subject, or now of no
value from subsequent discoveries, but otherwise giving
the text of the MS. just as we found it. This work was
not finished by its author — the MS. is full of blanks —
and it would have probably received a careful revision
from him had his life been prolonged.

As it now stands, it forms a valuable basis of inquiry
for future antiquaries; it records the existence of earth-
works and other monuments, many of which may, since
his time, have disappeared ; and the notices of families,
houses, churches and charities which it contains, cannot
fail to be duly appreciated by our Radnorshire members.

We must express the hope that the examination and
illustration of the several classes of antiquities in that
county — one of the great fighting-grounds of Wales in
early times — wilt be carried on systematically and ener-
getically, with all the advantages to be derived from the
improved condition of archaeological science.

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ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF CONTENTS.

Abbe; Cwmhir, 6B, 75, 339, S30, 843.

Aberedw, 94, 2S5.

AboriilK CasrlH, 64, 307.

Ariconjum, 43, 47, 57.

Arrnv Hirer, 40, 65, 111, SIB, 336,

Ballifiii of Nan Radnor, 138.
Barmwg, 91, I1T, 134, 190, 311, 315,

327, 336, 23B, 282, 385, 201, 302.
Bailie of Pillclh, 281.
Beddaarinon.339.
B«dd ; Gre, 190.
BaltWa Clyro, 309.
BellVH Dlaerth, 389.
Birch Foresls, 17.
Blaiddra, 201.
Blwid; Plaid, 40.
Bolllre, 45, 47.
Boagliruod, 300.
Baui(brh]>d Caatle, 63.
Braoa, William da, 77, 117, 110, 165,

Cefn-y-Dfa Hundred, 360.
Cefn-j-llya Parish. 65, 264.
Cclhln, Ellen, 199.
CMIeKCadiv){Hn,300.
Civil History. 69.
ClBBburj,8ll.
Cla*

3u7.

300.

Broken CroM, 147.
Bryngwin, 217.
Bryn-llwyd, 303.
BrynllysCsatle, 391.
Bryn-y-Caatifll, 179.
Bugailda, 30, 162.
Bir^ief Brook, 266.
Bwlcb-y-llya, 346.

Caer Caradcie, 41, 53, 165, 179, 204.

Caer-du, 806.

Calm, 6», 300, 338, 345, 308.

CaulTofa, 30.

Capel Hadoo, 336.

Caractacui, 3d, 53, 166, 179.

Carnau, 91.

Csrawsn, 346.

Cascob, 14, 104, 106.

Cailall Filled, 383.

Caalall-y-Blaidd, 186.

Ca*tlei,61,906.

Cafa-y-llfB Gaitle, 65, 75, 907.

CUa-KWyr, 41.

Clatlerbrook, 104, 146.

Clyro. 814.

Cnwctaa CasUe and Boroogh, 41, 65,

75, 164.
Cock -fl)(h ting, 153.
Colfa, 110.

Castle, 63, 386, 303.

D II ur

1, 384.

73.
CoxBll Knoll, 37, 89, 180.
CmtK Donna, 183.
Croea-Cynun,104.
Croea-y-Noridfa, 08.
Crown Lands, 90, lOS, 149, 837.
Crughallt, 189.
Crugina, 203.
CruK-y-Buddair, 39, 40.
Cwmaivn Caatla, 66, 196, 198, 370.
Cwmddauddwr, 234.
CwyitudiD, 344.

Dedication, 7.

Deverenx, Walter, 154.

DtKoed, 1 15.

Dlsarth,61,S94.

Domesday Book, extracts fhim, 104,134,

144,804, 281.
Druids, 18,21,37.
Dynbod Castle, 66, 115, 180, 307.

Earls of Radnor, 78.
Barthoorks, 36, 41,117, 196,303,316,
331, 275.

Ferrars, 165.
Fler-llTB, 2«, 60, 140.
Foreets, 17, 101.

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ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF CONTENTS.

Oaer, SB, 49, 64, 199.
Gladestrr, 113.
Qralg-rBWr, 292.
GniDt of Charlea I., 314.
Or£, 33, 199.
Owar-y-beddau, S4C,

Hel^gen, 241.

HezeCre Hundred, 104, lOS, 144.

Hu Gadani, 33.

Humphrey de Bohud, 78.

Hundreds, 30,65, 104.

iDtroductory Notice, 1.

JoBD Du, 154.

Klng'aTurnlntr, 148.
£nlgh(oD Castle, 64, 173.
Koightnn Borough, 99, 171.
Knighton Hunilred, 161.

LBOtBrdlae Hundred, IM.

UtUra, loe.
Llaaandras, 144.
Llanano, 66, 169.
LlanbadBm-ranr, 66, sm.
Llaobadarn Fynjrdd, ISA.
Llanbadara-y-GBrieg, 386.
Llanbedr. 40, 219.
Llanbleler, 1D3.
LIaiiddeiTl-Fach,230.
Lluiddeiii-jatrad-EnnftD, 33, SS

195.
Llandegla, 369.
LlandeiloOrsbiiD,S!tl.
Llanelwedd, 306.
Llanfair Llethonov, 113.
Llanfared, 301.
LlanaiiangeUPach, 341.
LlanflhaD^el-nant-Melin, SS, 116.
LlBnflhan|;el-rhid-lelthoD, 379.
L1angDario,274.
Llanhlr, 242,

LlaoBBDtrrald, 33, 334, 301.
LlaDBlephun, 333.
LiBa-j'-drindod, 31, 88, 61, 271.
Llechrhjd.es, 298.
Llechrhyd Batile, 298.
LloneB, 323.
Llwyn-Madoc, 303, 304.
Llya-llbr, 215.
Ll;a->ln, 380.
Lard-Lisutenaate, 116.
Lords Harchen, 30, 61, 60.
Lug Rlrer, 13, 34, 376.

Magna Caatia, 43, 67.
Hanori, 100.
Market Tomu, 66.

Hend'a Ca«tle, 69, 804.

Members for New Radaor, ISO.

Members fur the County, 63, B8.

UichBfllchurch, 40, 336.

Minislem' AccoubU ia the Angraentltlon

Office, 309.
Moelynaldd, Cantref of, 87.
Moelynaidd Castle, 66, 307.
Moelynaidd, Lords of, 66, 76, 176, SW,

265.
MaDBchl<«, 230.
Monachtu, 166.
Monach-ty, SCI.
Mortimers, 65, 76, 105, 123, 146, 166,

174, 197, 2Q1, 265, 382, 808.
Mortimer's Cross, Battle of, 308.
Mynacb Ty, 277,

Nant Castell Gnylhsria, 88.

Nantmel, 243.
Nevcastle Camp, 36.
Newchui'Ch, 226.
Newmarche, Gilbert de, 100.

Offs'sDyke, 12. 30,58, 163.

Old Radnor, 48, 138.

Oweu Glyndnrd^, 123, 249, 381.

Pain'i Castle, 63, 307, 219, 806.

Pain's Ciutle Hundred, 306.
Pain's Cestle Township, 319.
Parishes, 30, 86, 106, 206, 360.
Payne, Family of, 63, 307, 219, 306.
PencBstle Camp, 40.
Pencraig, 61, 142,308.
Penybont, 266.
Pilleth, 76, 105,276,381,
Population, 86, 106, 273.
Portway, 217.
Preface, 8,
Presteigne, 144.
Prospectus (original one), 4.

Radnor, Earls of, 76.

Radnor Forest, 102.

JUdoor Hundred, 106,

Radnor, New, 83, 99, 119,

Radnor, New, Castle, 63, 120.

Radnor, Old, 138, 308.

Radnorshire, Situation, Boundaries and
Extent, 11; Name and Etymology,
15; Prlmltl«e Inhabitants, 20; An-
cient Divi^oDS, 28 ; Cromlechao, tec.,
31 ; Fortifications and Encampmanti,
36 ; Roman StationB and Road4, 41 ;
Offii's Dyke, 68 ; Castles, 61 ; CirU
History, 69; Titles of Honour, 75;
DhisionB, 66; Manora, 100; Paro-
chial Antiquities, t06; Appendix, 309.

Rlmyader Cajitle, 67, 261.

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318

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIOKS.

Rhayader Hondred, S3S.

Bhajader Town, 34, 947.

Rhlwj, 116.

RbjB ab Gruffudd, 3fi9.

Somiui Csmpa, 37, 61, 381.

Roman StBtiDDB aod RaBdB,41,48, 179,

216, 317, 323, 237, S41, SOB, 291.
Rouhill, 45, 47.
Rolen, or Rhiwljo, SOSi.

Sberifib of Radnorshire, 79.
Sllurea, 20, 26, 31, 36, 117, 196.
Stanage, 39, 104, 903.
StapletoD Caatk, 146.

St. HarmoD, S37.

Tumnli, 31, 117, 134, 199, 311, 215,

227, 336, 33S, 3d3, 385, 391, 302.
Ty-;n-;-bwlcb, 191.

Wakes, 119, 380.

War-cloe Battle, 134.

WhiltDQ, 384.

Wye, River, 12, 65, 60, 64, 314.

LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS.

M;naebty Hoaae Prontitjnect

Arma of tbe Borough of New Radnor 31

Town and Castle of Nev Radnor 119

Seal Found at Radnor 12S

Chancel Screen 135

Coffin Lida, New Radnor Church 136

Anns at Uynacht; and Pllleth 302

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i'UTIQWTiES OF EAMOBSHIEE

' ■ - ._-.■-■' Bj "BUn." S Se*.; y^
Many uid vuied ara the «iitiquitMi* of Radnor-
ihire, ForinioK a portion of the anoieat and re-
E^ined KMm orfeiloria, the ae«t "f.E*'"^^
Til>e>, the site of Roman garriwiiu i
mente, and the soane of many bglM
liberty and mdopendenoe, ita lofty mi
■eoWed vales formed tbe bone of
mans oeoturiaB, ot tbe proud HoiOL -.
SaxoD, thB fieioe Dane, and the hwiBhty and

ti a distriot must, therefore, of

uoh that is of i

antiquary. Tamuli and burial plaoea of tl

racea of mankind, who liirod in the diStriot iboMr
uids of year* ago, and hava left no record of any
kind behind thran, eio^t their stone and b
implemente and weapons, whiob have Irom
to Uine been disoovered in Tarious parte of the
county. The dieoovery of a Biat ajrrowhoad oloro
to the town of Rhayader proves that m the far ott
and prehistotio period of neoUtiw man Bome settle- H
mant wae eetobliahed liore. Some ot the buri^ '
placea have been »w^t away by .the march of I
modern improvOTHmta, and the r ""~ '™- '

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